VP, Intellectual Property & Patent Counsel

Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio)•Durham, NC

About The Position

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to developing life-saving medicines and changing lives. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease indications with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for congestive heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive array of capsids and promoters. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing. Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines. Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives. Our principles: Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries. Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need. Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential. Our values: Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need. Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view. Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission. We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers. Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action. Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through. The Vice President, Intellectual Property & Patent Counsel will serve as the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, management, and protection of the Company’s global intellectual property portfolio. Reporting directly to the Chief Business Officer and General Counsel, this executive will partner closely with scientific leadership, senior management, and Bayer’s IP organization to ensure the AskBio’s IP strategy supports long-term business objectives. The individual will oversee the development, prosecution, and defense of patents, lead freedom-to-operate and competitive analyses, and implement best practices by leveraging the parent company’s infrastructure, systems, and processes.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to at least one U.S. jurisdiction
Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Minimum 12 years of experience in intellectual property law, with a strong track record in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sector
Proven experience managing global IP portfolios and advising executive leadership teams
Demonstrated executive leadership in setting and executing IP strategy in alignment with corporate goals
Exceptional judgment in navigating complex IP, litigation, and transactional issues
Strong ability to influence, align, and build consensus across scientific, business, and legal functions
Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to present complex legal issues to diverse audiences including executive leadership and the Board
Proven experience managing outside counsel and large budgets effectively
Strong operational management skills, with the ability to implement scalable processes and leverage parent company best practices
High degree of integrity, professional ethics, and resilience under pressure

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in a biological sciences discipline
Prior experience leading integration or alignment with a parent or partner company

Responsibilities

IP Strategy & Leadership Define, implement, and oversee the Company’s global intellectual property strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and parent company best practices. Partner with R&D, Business Development, and senior leadership to anticipate future needs and secure the Company’s competitive position. Serve as the primary advisor to the executive team and Board on intellectual property matters, including risk assessment and strategic opportunities.
Patent Portfolio Management Oversee enforcement, monitoring, and defense of the Company’s patents against third-party infringement. Ensure Company inventions are captured, protected, and optimized in alignment with global business strategies. Direct patent counsel in drafting, filing, and prosecuting domestic and international patent applications.
Competitive Intelligence & Risk Management Lead monitoring and analysis of competitor patents, publications, and infringement litigations worldwide. Develop invalidity and non-infringement strategies to mitigate competitive threats and guide business decisions. Provide high-level freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and counsel leadership on potential risks.
Departmental Efficiency & Alignment with Bayer Partner with Bayer IP and legal teams to harmonize patent filing strategies, operational processes, and data management systems. Drive adoption of Bayer best practices and ensure consistent reporting, governance, and compliance across entities.
Business Development & Transactions Lead IP due diligence for acquisitions, collaborations, licensing, and partnerships. Oversee negotiation of IP-related agreements, ensuring the Company’s interests are fully protected and strategically positioned.

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