Patent Attorney

Novartis seeks a Senior Patent Attorney in Basel to protect scientific innovations and support R&D teams with strategic IP decisions and portfolio management.

This role focuses on safeguarding groundbreaking scientific discoveries and facilitating the global reach of life-changing medicines. The attorney will collaborate closely with research and development teams to guide strategic intellectual property decisions and establish strong patent portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Advise on invention protection strategies, portfolio growth, publication planning, and potential third-party risks.
• Develop and oversee patent portfolios by spotting new inventions, drafting applications, managing prosecutions, and handling maintenance and defense.
• Deliver legal assessments regarding patentability, validity, and freedom to operate.
• Leverage extensive knowledge of national patent regulations to inform strategic advice.
• Utilize understanding of various exclusivity protection mechanisms.
• Maintain clear communication with legal, IP, and R&D colleagues and leadership.
• Foster relationships with external legal counsel and partner organizations.
• Perform due diligence and offer guidance on freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies.
• Support transactional activities such as mergers and acquisitions, research partnerships, and in-licensing deals with IP expertise.
• Guarantee the timely, high-quality completion of tasks that align with business objectives and financial constraints.

Requirements

• Hold a Juris Doctor degree and be admitted to at least one state bar.
• Be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Possess an advanced degree in chemistry or a related discipline, with a strong preference for a doctoral degree.
• Demonstrate substantial experience as a patent attorney in a law firm, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology setting.
• Show strong technical proficiency in chemistry, ideally with background in small molecules, synthesis, or pharmaceutical development.
• Exhibit expertise in U.S. and PCT patent law, including filing procedures and prosecution practices.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of European patent law and other major global patent systems.

What the company offers

• Competitive benefits including insurance plans, retirement savings options, wellbeing resources, and global recognition programs.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Minimum 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Performance-based bonus tied to specific performance metrics.
• Long-term equity awards granted at the group level.

About the company

Novartis is dedicated to reimagining medicine through collaborative efforts. The company strives to create an outstanding, inclusive work environment with diverse teams that reflect the patients and communities it serves.

• Committed to reimagining medicine together.
• Committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.