Senior Patent Agent
Job Title: Senior Patent Agent
Reports to: CSO / Head of R&D
FLSA Class: Exempt
Learn more about our company and how we support you:
Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) empowers life science discovery. We bring innovation and inspiration to every scientist - promoting discoveries that improve health and the environment. We hold values that all employees and prospective candidates should demonstrate: Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, Respect, Growth, Diversity and Quality. We value helping employees develop their skills and you will be part of this journey!
At Takara Bio, we know that every experimental decision has an impact. Choices matter, from design to data analysis. We create best-in-class products that get the job done. In your hands, what do those research reagents and kits create? Something powerful: knowledge, understanding, and—often—hope! Together we can improve the human condition through biotechnology…and That's Good Science!
How this role drives the company forward:
The Senior Patent Agent is responsible for leading IP reviews on both internal and external IP – proposing key actions and strategies to build strength in our core product IP, including filing of new IP on developments coming out of R&D. The Senior Patent Agent takes the leading role manage the prosecution and maintenance of the Company’s patent portfolio through direction of outside counsel.
The Senior Patent Agent role is office-based in San Jose, CA or may be hybrid for the right candidate.
How you will make an impact:
In this role, you will drive forward the patent prosecution and maintenance for Takara Bio USA. You will report directly to the CSO / Head of R&D, providing invaluable guidance and recommendations with sound knowledge and strategy. You will influence the business of Takara Bio USA. You will single-handedly manage a full workload with comfort and ease.
What will you do:
- Primary responsibility for managing communications with outside counsel; taking the lead in providing guidance to counsel on the preparation and prosecution of domestic and foreign patent applications so as to best match claims to our products and strategy.
- Works with R&D to assess patentability of new inventions; assist in drafting and reviewing related invention disclosures and drafting provisional patent applications.
- Review and prepare freedom-to-operate opinions on 3rd party IP in collaboration with outside counsel, as necessary. Undertakes proactive reviews, where necessary.
- Responsible for assigning products to relevant licenses for royalty reporting purposes.
- Actively guide senior management in evaluating licensing and business transactions based on review of relevant IP.
- Proposes strategies for developing the Company’s patent portfolio based on strong understanding of the Company’s technologies and those of its competitors.
- Provide periodic training to Company employees regarding the protection of intellectual property.
- Maintain knowledge of relevant laws, regulations or statutes affecting the Company’s intellectual property.
- Proposes IP expenditure budgets, based on agreed strategy. Assist in managing expenses to budget.
- This position may have supervisory responsibilities.
How will you get here?
- A Ph.D. in a life-science discipline required; molecular biology and NGS experience preferred.
- Must be a USPTO registered Patent Agent.
- A minimum of 6 years’ experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications and conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate searches both at a law firm and within a company environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead IP reviews with key internal stakeholders.
- Ability to suggest strategies for internal IP based on understanding of external IP and company’s technology position in the market.
- Skilled in preparing, filing, and prosecuting domestic and foreign patent applications.
- Strong advocacy skills in connection with patent prosecution.
- Proven ability to handle multiple projects and effectively manage priorities so as to meet tight deadlines.
- Independent and self-motivated, with a strong sense of urgency and ability to drive a project to completion.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills – must be able to communicate clearly both within the organization and externally to drive projects forward.
- Highly effective analytical and problem-solving skills, including excellent attention to detail.
- Collaborative personality with strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
AAP/EEO Statement:
Takara Bio USA, Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Additional Information about the role:
Please note this job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The US base salary range for this full-time position, expected to be located in San Jose, CA, is $160K – $190K USD. This range may be modified at any time at our sole discretion. This base salary does not include additional bonus compensation and benefits. Learn more about benefits at www.takarabio.com/about/careers. Individual compensation packages are based on factors unique to each candidate, including job-related skills, training, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions.
