Healthcare Patent Counsel, Digital Health

About the role

A Healthcare Patent Counsel is needed to shape the U.S. and global intellectual property strategy for pharmaceutical development projects and commercial products, with a focus on digital health and integrated healthcare solutions. The role sits at the intersection of pharmaceuticals, software, data, medical devices and digital health, partnering with scientists, software experts and engineers to identify inventions and build patent portfolio strategies. It is part of an expert group for Digital IP.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, file and prosecute patent applications in the United States, Europe and other international jurisdictions.
• Manage oppositions, post-grant proceedings and other validity matters, including PGRs and IPRs.
• Conduct and oversee freedom-to-operate analyses and turn complex findings into clear recommendations.
• Support patent enforcement, invalidation proceedings and related legal opinions.
• Provide IP advice and negotiation support for contracts, collaborations, licenses and business development transactions.
• Advise colleagues across business areas on software, data analysis and emerging digital technologies.
• Counsel senior leaders and work with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Commercial, Business Development and Legal teams.

Required profile

• University degree in biomedical engineering, chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences or a related scientific discipline, with strong bioinformatics expertise.
• Registered to practice before the EPO and/or the USPTO.
• Substantial experience in a patent department in pharma, biotech, medical devices or life sciences, or in a law firm advising on digital health, software or medical devices.
• Experience in patent drafting and prosecution, post-grant proceedings (oppositions, PGRs, IPRs) and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Experience supporting or leading IP-related contract negotiations.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of patentability and legal issues around software, AI and machine learning, data analytics, digital biomarkers and personalized healthcare.
• Ability to explain complex IP matters clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborative, proactive and strategic approach in international cross-functional teams.