Verenium Corporation, a pioneer and recognized leader in the development and commercialization of high-performance enzymes for use in industrial processes, is seeking a Patent Agent.
Are you an IP professional seeking a new role in a cutting edge, fast-paced green technology company? Is getting involved in the development and implementation of a dynamic R&D company’s patent strategy next in your career development? If so, Verenium has a great opportunity for a dedicated IP Patent Agent!
Verenium’s Patent Agent will report to the Senior Manager, Intellectual Property and will be a pivotal link between the R&D, Business Development and Legal teams. The position requires an individual with strong legal skills and extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Additionally, the Patent Agent will be involved in conducting patent freedom to operate, landscape, validity, and due diligence analyses.
Responsibilities:
• File and prosecute US patent applications, including drafting applications, drawings, figures, sequence listings, formal documents, and Office Action responses.
• With foreign patent counsel, develop strategy and prepare applications and responses for foreign patent applications.
• Work closely with Business Development, Product Managers, and R&D to support mining and drafting of invention disclosures.
• With the Senior Manager of Intellectual Property, management team, and outside counsel, develop, support and execute a strategy to proactively strengthen Verenium’s IP portfolio.
• Support the preparation of IP-related legal opinions on issues such as freedom to operate, infringement, and validity, as well as perform landscape analyses.
• Support patent-related due diligence for commercial transactions, such as collaborations and licensing.
• Review and approve publications/presentations to prevent disclosure of confidential information.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of Verenium products and technical developments, as well as the patent and technology status of competitors and potential competitors.
• Refine and enforce IP policy within Verenium.
Education/Experience:
Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Bachelor’s scientific degree and/or advanced degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology preferred.
Highly preferred is experience in the biotechnology industry, particularly related to sequence-based patent applications, biocatalysts and biochemical transformations, industrial and commercial application of enzymes, fermentation processes, and bioinformatics.
Critical Competencies:
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the prosecution of patents before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, as well as developing strategies for filings and prosecution of foreign patent applications.
• Must have experience in analyzing the patentability of inventions and validity of patents, including the preparation of patent applications, opinions, and the drafting of U.S. patent applications.
• Experience with patent appeals, re-examination, re-issue, and interference proceedings is a plus.
• Experience in intellectual property litigation is a plus, including experience investigating infringement by third parties and interfacing with outside counsel.
• Transactional and contract experience preferred, particularly as it relates to protection of intellectual property and due diligence.
• Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Record of providing legal services in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to proactively organize a heavy workload and demonstrate excellent analytical abilities.
• Flexible and proactive approach to problems and demands, with the ability to thrive on challenge and react quickly and positively to a fast-moving and challenging environment.
• Proficiency in patent docketing systems; working knowledge of CPI is preferred.
Compensation:
Competitive base and bonus based on experience; excellent benefit package.
Contact:
Interested candidates must apply directly at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1177091. Verenium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Additional Info:
Employer Type: Small Corporation
Job Location: San Diego, California
Verenium harnesses the power of nature and leverages its unique, patented technology to create enzyme products that maximize efficiency while improving environmental performance. We utilize our distinctive R&D capabilities to develop and sell enzymes to a global market.