Patent Agent | Medical Device / Diagnostics IP | Bedford, MA (Onsite)

Werfen•Bedford, MA

23d•$130,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

Werfen is hiring a Patent Agent to provide high-quality intellectual property services across the organization. The role strategically establishes patent portfolios across business areas, conducts freedom-to-operate work, supports IP due diligence, advises internal clients, manages outside counsel, and works closely with the business and the Chief IP Counsel. The Patent Agent also develops and implements IP strategies and processes across Werfen technology centers, manages patent portfolios and databases, and supports trade secret policies across Werfen entities. The position is based onsite in Bedford, Massachusetts, with up to 5% travel, mainly within the United States to other technology centers. The successful candidate will work with Marketing, R&D, technologists, scientists, managers, executives, and other stakeholders. They should bring sound legal judgment, commercial awareness, strong communication and drafting skills, and the ability to manage a range of technical matters and projects. The role requires independent patent drafting and prosecution, proactive identification and communication of legal issues, and continued learning across technologies. The annual base salary range is $130,000 to $170,000. Compensation depends on factors including education, relevant experience, skill set, knowledge, and business needs. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; and eligibility for a performance-based bonus for select professional roles.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering required, preferably in biological sciences; management may substitute relevant work experience for a degree or make exceptions to the experience requirement.
Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office required.
At least 5 years of relevant experience gained in a law firm required; management may make exceptions to the years-of-experience requirement.
Strong training in patent drafting and prosecution, with the ability to independently draft and prosecute without attorney supervision.
Knowledge of patent prosecution rules in major jurisdictions covering software, hardware, and diagnostic assays.
Strong communication and drafting skills, including the ability to communicate legal issues clearly to patent, legal, and senior management.
Ability to establish credibility, respect, and trust with technologists, scientists, managers, and executives.
Strong planning and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
High accountability, integrity, sound judgment, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to work cross-functionally, think strategically while attending meticulously to detail, initiate projects, and follow through on implementation.
Willingness to handle matters across a wide range of technology fields and continuously learn.
Ability to travel up to 5%, mainly in the United States to other technology centers.

Nice To Haves

In-house experience.
Training or experience relevant to life sciences, chemical analysis, or materials characterization.
Strong technological aptitude and interest in learning and working with a range of technologies.

Responsibilities

Manage patent portfolios and internal databases, including drafting and prosecuting patents.
Initiate, improve, and implement IP strategies and processes across Werfen technology centers to optimize IP asset procurement.
Identify strengths and weaknesses and prioritize selected technical areas for IP procurement.
Update databases and provide IP statistics to the business.
Perform freedom-to-operate studies and deliver high-quality work products to the business.
Manage outside counsel independently and efficiently to ensure high-quality prosecution work within a reasonable budget.
Conduct trade secret surveys and develop and implement trade secret policies adapted to local laws within Werfen entities.
Maintain knowledge of current IP practices in major jurisdictions and apply it in daily work.
Support IP due diligence as needed.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with Marketing, R&D, and other business stakeholders.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.