What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biotech Patent Agent position at Latitude, Inc.?
Position Overview: The Biotechnology Patent Agent will play a critical role in managing our intellectual property portfolio, with a focus on drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to biotechnological inventions. This position requires a strong background in biotechnology, molecular biology, or related disciplines, as well as a thorough understanding of patent law and regulations. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills and a passion for driving innovation through patent protection.
Key Responsibilities:
Patent Drafting and Prosecution:
- Work closely with inventors and scientific teams to identify patentable inventions and draft high-quality patent applications in the field of biotechnology.
- Prepare responses to office actions from patent examiners, conduct patentability assessments, and navigate patent prosecution proceedings to secure patent rights.
Intellectual Property Strategy:
- Develop and implement strategies for protecting intellectual property assets, including drafting patent claims, conducting prior art searches, and analyzing patent landscapes.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to assess the commercial potential of inventions and align patent strategies with business objectives.
Portfolio Management:
- Manage and maintain the company's patent portfolio, including tracking application deadlines, managing docketing systems, and ensuring compliance with patent laws and regulations.
- Conduct portfolio reviews, identify opportunities for portfolio expansion, and make recommendations for patent filing, maintenance, and abandonment decisions.
IP Counseling and Education:
- Provide guidance and support to internal teams on intellectual property matters, including patentability assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and patent infringement risks.
- Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate employees on patent law fundamentals, best practices for patent protection, and the importance of intellectual property rights.
External Collaboration and Communication:
- Liaise with external legal counsel, patent agents, and patent examiners to facilitate the prosecution of patent applications and resolve legal issues related to intellectual property.
- Communicate patent strategies, opportunities, and challenges to senior management and stakeholders, providing regular updates on patent portfolio status and developments.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field required.
- Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a registered patent agent required.
- 5 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in a biotechnology-focused law firm or corporate setting.
- Strong technical expertise in biotechnology, genomics, gene editing, or related disciplines, with a deep understanding of scientific principles and research methodologies.
- Knowledge of patent law, regulations, and procedures, with demonstrated experience in drafting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and prosecuting patents.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and legal concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and the ability to think critically and creatively about patent strategy and portfolio management.
