Sr. Director, Intellectual Property

Chiesi Group•Cary, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Chiesi USA is seeking an experienced US Patent Agent or US Patent Attorney to support the protection, development, and strategic management of its global intellectual property portfolio. The role combines hands-on US patent prosecution with participation in IP due diligence supporting licensing, acquisitions, collaborations, and business development initiatives. The position is hybrid and based in the Cary, North Carolina office, with remote candidates in the Eastern time zone also considered.

Requirements

USPTO-registered Patent Agent or Attorney in good standing.
Bachelor's degree.
At least 5 years of patent prosecution experience.
Demonstrated experience supporting IP due diligence activities for licensing, acquisitions, collaborations, or business development transactions.
Strong knowledge of US patent law and pharmaceutical patent practice.
Experience evaluating patent portfolios, prosecution histories, and claim strategies.
Ability to communicate IP risks and opportunities to technical and business stakeholders.
Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a life sciences discipline or JD.
In-house pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
Experience supporting licensing-in, licensing-out, M&A, and strategic alliance transactions.
Familiarity with Hatch-Waxman, Orange Book listings, patent term extensions, and regulatory exclusivities.
Experience preparing due diligence reports and portfolio assessments for senior management.
International portfolio management experience, including PCT and ex-US patent strategies.

Responsibilities

Draft and prosecute US patent applications before the USPTO.
Develop patent filing and claim strategies for pharmaceutical products and technologies.
Manage Office Actions, examiner interviews, continuations, and divisional applications.
Coordinate with inventors, scientists, and external counsel.
Support lifecycle management and portfolio optimization.
Identify opportunities to strengthen patent protection around pipeline and marketed products.
Contribute to global patent filing strategies.
Support patent due diligence for licensing, M&A, partnerships, and external innovation opportunities.
Assess patent portfolios, prosecution histories, claim scope, and filing strategies.
Identify IP opportunities, risks, and value drivers associated with potential transactions.
Collaborate with Business Development, Legal, R&D, and Commercial teams.
Prepare IP due diligence assessments and portfolio evaluation reports.
Coordinate with external counsel during transactions and strategic collaborations.
Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging technology trends.
Support patent landscape and patentability analyses.
Contribute to strategic portfolio decisions and external innovation assessments.