Patent Agent (Chemistry) – Patent Prosecution

A leading US law firm is seeking a patent agent with an advanced degree in medicinal or organic chemistry to join its intellectual property prosecution team. The role involves working under the supervision and guidance of partners in the IP section and performing a variety of patent-related activities, primarily patent prosecution, freedom to operate analysis, and due diligence work.

The position is open to candidates sitting in Boston, Washington, DC, or San Francisco. Team collaboration is an important component of the role, and the firm requires working from the office approximately 60% of the time in accordance with published guidelines.

Core responsibilities include assessing scientific literature, patents, and patent application documents across organic, synthetic, and medicinal chemistry as well as material science; understanding, critiquing, and providing insightful opinions on scientific data relating to inventions; conducting comprehensive searches for relevant scientific articles and patent documents; and performing in-depth analyses comparing inventions with existing discoveries to identify essential elements, features, or components.

The role also involves composing patent applications with comprehensive background, critical feature descriptions, and clear claims; drafting responses to rejections from the USPTO and other worldwide patent offices with detailed analysis and persuasive arguments; and presenting ideas, reasoning, and conclusions concisely to colleagues while providing insightful feedback. The agent will work with clients on innovative and cutting-edge technologies to procure patent protection and build IP portfolios.

• USPTO admission required
• Ph.D. degree in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, or a minimum of 3 years of post-baccalaureate laboratory research experience
• Two years or more of patent prosecution experience
• Ability to present scientific concepts, analysis, reasoning, and conclusions to both scientists and non-scientists
• Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, stay organized, and exercise attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in team settings