What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patent Agent or Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Associate (Biology) position at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP?
For over 40 years, Choate has advised life sciences and tech companies, investors, and top universities on global patent portfolios, life cycle strategies, patent validity, infringement, and due diligence. We offer deep expertise to optimize IP strategies for startups, corporations, and research institutions.
Our technical knowledge and industry experience enable us to craft innovative, business-focused patent solutions that drive commercial success. Clients benefit from partner-led service, true collaboration, and a dynamic culture that transforms science into commercially successful products.
Job Functions / Responsibilities
- Drafting patent applications.
- Prosecuting patent applications in the US (including replies to Office actions, examiner interviews, and appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board) and directing prosecution worldwide.
- Conducting freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
- Conducting IP landscape analyses.
- Conducting IP due diligence in the context of an asset purchase or securities offering.
- Conducting invalidity and non-infringement analyses.
- Counseling clients on prosecution strategy.
- Surveilling competitor patent applications and filing observations at the US Patent Office.
- Assisting with contested cases at the US Patent Office (e.g., inter partes review, post-grant review) or in US district court.
- Assisting with agreements (e.g., for licenses, research collaborations, research services).
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred; will consider a master’s degree with substantial industry experience); strong technical background in biological sciences.
- 3-6 years of experience as a patent agent or patent associate.
- Prior firm experience and registration with the USPTO.
- An excellent academic record and superior organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
- A demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service and a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on IP.
- Experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is a plus.
Schedule
The Firm is currently operating in a hybrid model, with the requirement that everyone should be in the office at least four days per week. This schedule is subject to change dependent on Firm, department, and client needs, and will be routinely evaluated.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future).
About the Firm
Choate, one of the nation’s premier law firms, is different from most BigLaw firms in ways we believe materially benefit our clients and our talent. All of our lawyers are under one roof in Boston, focused in areas where we practice at the top of the market, nationally and internationally, and represent clients in their largest and most significant matters.