IP Attorney, Shanghai
Structure Therapeutics
Structure Therapeutics develops life‐changing medicines for patients using advanced structure‐based and computational drug discovery technology. The company’s platform combines the latest advancements in visualization of molecular interactions, computational chemistry, and data integration to design orally available, superior small molecule medicines that overcome current limitations of biologic and peptide drugs. We are advancing a clinical‐stage pipeline of differentiated treatments focused on chronic diseases with high unmet need, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary conditions.
Structure Therapeutics is led by an experienced group of international drug innovators and financed by top-tier global life sciences investors. The company has completed an initial public offering (IPO) in February of 2023. With offices in California and Shanghai, Structure Therapeutics has the benefit of being at the center of life science innovation in both the US and China and capitalizing on the strengths of each geographic location.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Legal, this attorney will manage a fast-growing patent and trademark portfolio. The position is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of the global patent and trademark strategy and provision of services that align with Company strategy, growth, and stage of development. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience with clinical-stage biotech companies that have a small molecule patent portfolio, with a focus on patent filing and procurement strategy and competitive landscape.
This position is based in the company’s research center in Shanghai, China.
Essential Duties and responsibilities
Directs the patent strategy, including directing outside counsel in the preparation and prosecution of applications and responding to office actions, implementing a strategy for IP lifecycle management; identifying strategic areas for patenting, and directing outside counsel in evaluating the patentability of invention submissions.
- Develop a global strategy to protect the company’s key assets in highly competitive fields
- Collaborate with the drug discovery team and outside counsel on patent filing and prosecution globally
- Collaborate with members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to develop and advise on global patent strategy, including life cycle management
- Collaborate with Regulatory and outside counsel on IP exclusivity mechanisms, including Orange Book, patent term extension and regulatory exclusivity in the U.S. and related programs in foreign jurisdictions
- Reviews scientific publications, abstracts, papers, etc. for relevant IP issues
- Collaborate with Business Development and other functions on the evaluation of in-licensing and strategic partnering opportunities, including participating in and managing IP due diligence
- Partner with relevant stakeholders across the Company to provide strategic IP counselling with respect to product development that aligns with the Company strategy, growth, and stage of development
- Assist SVP, Legal in managing trademark filing and registration globally
- Develop relationships with, and educates employees on, patent and trademark related matters
- Oversee infringement and validity analyses by outside counsel and evaluates risk management strategies
- Review and assist with IP portions of SEC filings, stock and debt financings, contracts, in-licensing, out-licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and other commercial transactions as needed
- Design and implement processes to streamline IP procedures; evaluates, selects, implements, configures, integrates, and maintains systems that support IP activities
REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree or higher in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or similar field
- Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
- Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Member of a state bar
- Minimum of 7 years of global patent and trademark experience in a law firm or in-house law department at a public, commercial-stage biotechnology or pharmaceutical company
- Prior experience as in-house counsel highly preferred
- Strong aptitude in the areas of problem solving, operational management, and strategic planning
- Solid interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to influence and partner across all levels of the Company
- Excellent communication (verbal and written), listening and negotiation skills
- Excellent legal and business judgment
- The highest degree of integrity and ethical conduct
- Highly organized with a keen attention to detail
- Adaptable, flexible, and creative in a rapidly changing environment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality as required
- Capable of managing several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines; this includes planning and prioritizing work without direct supervision
- Strong knowledge of patent and trademark practices, as well as current US and foreign patent and trademark laws