Patent Attorney

Novartis • San Diego, CA

1d • $185,500 - $344,500

About The Position

This person will lead and manage designated patent and related intellectual property (IP) activities within the Novartis research and development (R&D) organization. The role provides clear, strategic, and business-focused counsel to R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks.

The Patent Attorney builds and manages patent portfolios for R&D projects, identifying inventions and preparing, prosecuting, maintaining, and defending patent filings across areas including new molecular entities, processes, manufacturing, platforms, technologies, and clinical developments. The position also renders opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate; develops strategies to strengthen IP positions and support effective IP defense; and applies knowledge of national patent law, legal developments, patent trends, and other forms of exclusivity protection.

The role involves communicating across legal, IP, and R&D organizations; managing relationships with outside counsel and collaborators in a multicultural global patent function; conducting due diligence and assessing IP-related risks; and supporting transactions such as M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing, including advice on contract drafting and negotiation.

Requirements

• J.D. degree, admission to at least one state bar, and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Advanced degree in chemistry or a closely related field, such as organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or chemical engineering.
• 7+ years of experience as a qualified patent attorney in a law firm or within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong technical expertise in chemistry, preferably including experience with small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development.
• Expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, filing processes, and prosecution practice, with detailed understanding of European patent law and other major global patent systems.
• Strong client-service orientation and ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with key stakeholders and project teams.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. degree is strongly preferred.
• Preferably 1–2 years of exposure to drug discovery and development processes used in pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong research, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills, close attention to detail, and commitment to consistently accurate work.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness to manage competing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including partnership building, influence, persuasion, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, business-focused counsel to Novartis R&D clients on invention protection, portfolio development, publication strategy, and third-party risks.
• Identify inventions and build and manage patent portfolios for Novartis R&D projects.
• Prepare, prosecute, maintain, and defend patent filings across areas such as new molecular entities, processes, manufacturing, platforms, technologies, and clinical developments.
• Render legal opinions on patentability, validity, and freedom to operate.
• Develop patent strategies that strengthen IP positions, support freedom to operate, and enable effective IP defense.
• Apply knowledge of national patent law and practice, relevant legal developments, patent trends, and other forms of exclusivity protection to shape strategy and advice.
• Communicate with colleagues and leaders across legal, IP, and R&D organizations.
• Build and manage relationships with outside counsel and collaborators, including interaction within a multicultural global patent function.
• Conduct due diligence and provide counsel on freedom to operate, infringement, validity, risk evaluation, and risk mitigation.
• Provide IP support for M&A, research collaborations, and in-licensing opportunities, including advice on contract drafting and negotiation.

Benefits

• Performance-based cash incentive.
• Depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible U.S.-based employees, including health, life, and disability benefits.
• 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• Vacation, personal days, holidays, and other leaves.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree