Vice President, Intellectual Property
$286,600–$358,300 year
RemoteUnited States
Job Summary
Lead the enterprise-wide intellectual property strategy for Sumitomo Pharma America, aligning global patent, trademark, and trade secret initiatives with corporate priorities and pipeline assets. Direct complex global patent litigation and adversarial proceedings, managing outside counsel, budgets, and outcomes while advising executive leadership on freedom-to-operate, patentability, and portfolio exclusivity. Mentor the IP team, ensure high-quality work products, and establish governance that scales with organizational growth. Partner with R&D, business development, and regulatory teams to protect innovations, support transactions through due diligence and licensing negotiations, and oversee trademark and domain portfolios. Monitor U.S. and international IP developments to advise leadership on market shifts and collaborate with the AI governance committee to safeguard innovation. Manage the IP function's budget and external counsel spend efficiently. Primarily remote with periodic on-site meetings and domestic/international travel as needed. Base salary range $286,600.00 - $358,300.00.
Required Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission and good standing to at least one U.S. State Bar (or the District of Columbia Bar)
- Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Minimum 15+ years of progressive patent/IP law experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry
- Substantial in-house experience
- Demonstrated experience leading an IP function
- Experience managing a team of attorneys and other professionals
- Deep experience across patent prosecution
- Deep experience across patent litigation
- Deep experience across transactional IP
- Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar
- Active registration to practice before the USPTO
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time
- Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced scientific degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or a related life-science field
- Experience supporting both small-molecule and cell therapy assets
- Prior experience advising executive leadership and boards on enterprise IP strategy and high-stakes transactions
- Demonstrated leadership in managing a team and working on a global scale
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