FEATURED LISTING - Patent Agent

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.

This position is located in San Diego, CA.

Position Description:
We are seeking a motivated IP professional to assist in the continued development and implementation of Verenium’s patent strategy, as well as to identify and pursue valuable intellectual property generated in a dynamic research and development environment. The position also involves conducting patent freedom to operate, landscape, validity, and due diligence analyses. This position 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 patent applications and in prosecution, as well as a degree or equivalent experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology. 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.

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.
• Act as a liaison between the Intellectual Property team and Business Development, management, and R&D to regularly provide updates on Verenium’s patent portfolio.
• 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. Bachelors degree in a science discipline and at least 5 years patent drafting and prosecution experience required. Advanced degree and major in molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology preferred.

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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate comfortably at all levels and with all departments.
• 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in patent docketing systems; working knowledge of CPI is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is essential.

Compensation:
Competitive base and bonus based on experience; excellent benefit package.

Interested candidates MUST apply directly at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=793711

Verenium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.