Patent Agent / Technical Advisor (Legal)
At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We're driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life' and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role: Patent Agent or Technical Advisor
As a Patent Agent or Technical Advisor at Elanco Animal Health, you will join our Intellectual Property team to support innovative small and/or large molecule programs. Your expertise in patent prosecution and portfolio management will be pivotal in securing robust intellectual property protection for our advancements in the animal health industry.
Your Responsibilities:
Collaborate with R&D scientists and technology leaders to identify patentable inventions and oversee the filing of high-quality patent applications covering small and large molecule innovations.
Conduct prior art searches, landscape surveys, and patentability assessments to support the development of patent filing strategies.
Manage patent prosecution activities, including overseeing the preparation of responses to office actions, preparing for and participating in examiner interviews, and navigating patent prosecution procedures to secure robust patent protection.
Work closely with outside counsel to coordinate the filing and prosecution of patent applications domestically and globally, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Assist in assessing freedom-to-operate (“FTO”) and conducting patent landscape analyses to support R&D decision-making and product development strategies.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or technical field, preferably in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline; an advanced degree (Ph.D., M.S.) is a plus.
Required Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) or eligible and willing to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.
Top 2 skills: Strong understanding of patent law and procedures, with experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and overseeing international prosecution; Strong scientific background.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
Experience in monoclonal antibodies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and legal concepts effectively.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
Multiple relocation packages
Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
8-week parental leave
9 Employee Resource Groups
Annual bonus offering
Flexible work arrangements
Up to 6% 401K matching
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
