Patent Agent

Definium Therapeutics is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company and our mission is to forge a new era of psychiatry by applying scientific rigor to psychedelics, with the goal of developing accessible treatments that unlock healing at scale.

We are seeking a Patent Agent who will play a key role in developing and executing the company’s intellectual property strategy. Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Commercial Legal and Compliance, this position is responsible for providing services incident to US patent prosecution, including the review and drafting of patent applications and other prosecution-related documents for Definium’s pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical products and technologies, and interacting with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The ideal candidate will enjoy working collaboratively with inventors across various departments, senior scientific leaders, and the legal team.

Responsibilities:

• Work with outside counsel to support the preparation, filing, prosecution, maintenance, and strategic development of patent applications in the United States and internationally
• Provide strategic guidance and services regarding filing patent applications and other documents with the USPTO, and relevant intellectual property issues including inventorship and conception/reduction to practice of inventions
• Review and provide input on office action responses, claim strategy, patent filings, portfolio reports, and prosecution recommendations, with inventor engagement and input
• Support regular portfolio reviews to assess strengths, gaps, upcoming deadlines, competitive risks, and opportunities for additional protection
• Monitor third-party patents, patent applications, publications, and competitive activity relevant to assigned programs
• Work closely with R&D, clinical, regulatory, and other technical teams to monitor emerging data, new uses, formulations, methods, manufacturing improvements, publications, and other potentially protectable innovations
• Collaborate with the Associate General Counsel, Commercial Legal & Compliance, outside counsel, and internal stakeholders to ensure patent and exclusivity strategies align with R&D, regulatory, commercial, and business development objectives
• Help develop scalable IP processes, templates, trackers, and reporting tools
• Establish a rapport and a working relationship with company business units at all levels to encourage and continue their proactive use of in-house legal services

Qualifications:

• Registered Patent Agent in good standing to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or a related pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical discipline
• At least 3 years of industry-related experience within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical field
• In-house and/or private practice experience as a patent agent
• Demonstrated experience and proven track record in preparation, prosecution, and management of US patent portfolios relating to the pharmaceutical and/or biopharmaceutical industries
• Strong understanding of and experience with the rules and regulations of the USPTO
• Demonstration of solid organizational skills, the ability to think strategically, and sound judgment in the analysis of complex business issues
• Experience with patent term extensions, market exclusivity activities (e.g., pediatric, orphan drug), Orange Book / Purple Book listings, clinical trial postings, IND / NDA / BLA submissions, or related product development management matters preferred
• Requires effective communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with other members of the legal team and business teams

The starting base pay range for this position is $120,000.00 - $140,000.00. Compensation will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, skill set, years of experience, and the employee’s geographic location.

Employees in this role may be entitled to additional compensation, including bonus and equity. Benefits information is listed on our Jobs Page. The Company provides competitive benefits to employees including:

• 100% paid health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your dependents
• 401(k) program with company match and vesting after the turn of the first month after your start date
• Flexible time off
• Generous parental leave and some fun fringe perks!