Associate Vice President – Assistant General Patent Counsel - AI Procurement

Position Overview

Lilly is seeking an experienced and strategic patent attorney with expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and AI-related molecular design technologies. This role is responsible for developing, managing, and protecting Lilly's Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio related to AI-facilitated pharmaceutical innovations. The position involves providing solutions-oriented advice on AI-related IP issues, including data issues arising from AI, collaborating closely with the Lilly Legal Patent team and business leadership, and reporting to the Associate Vice President - Asst Gen Pat Counsel at Eli Lilly and Company.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with R&D teams, data scientists, and AI specialists to develop and implement IP strategies.
• Identify patentable inventions and ensure robust IP protection of AI-related innovations at Lilly.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to AI-facilitated pharmaceutical innovation in all jurisdictions.
• Analyze risks and develop sound tactical approaches/solutions for AI-facilitated innovation, considering business objectives and the environment.
• Advise teams and senior management on exclusivity, freedom to operate, due diligence, contract, licensing, and AI-specific risks, consistent with the law, ethics, and Lilly policies.
• Communicate advice in a manner understandable to a layperson.
• Participate and contribute to the overall strategy established through departmental guidance forums related to patent procurement or litigation strategies.
• Lead with a continuous improvement approach by remaining proficient in global AI-related IP laws in the pharmaceutical sector, court precedents, and regulations pertinent to pharmaceutical products.
• Apply knowledge appropriately in carrying out individual responsibilities and identifying opportunities within the team and organization.
• Prioritize and manage projects.
• Contribute to the implementation of new policies and procedures.
• Lead task-directed teams.
• Contribute to efficiency, collegiality, and collaboration.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific field that, together with prior work experience, provides sufficient background for effective communication with scientists and management about scientific aspects of discovery, development, and commercialization of peptides and biological products.
• Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
• Four years of post-JD experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or industry.
• Two or more years of post-JD experience as a patent attorney in a law firm or industry.
• Presently admitted to practice law in at least one US jurisdiction and presently licensed to represent clients in patent matters before the USPTO.
• Must be in good standing in each state and with the USPTO, with no discipline issues on record.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Collaborative partner capable of working effectively with team members and management across all levels of the organization.
• At least 2 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications for AI-innovations and AI-facilitated innovation in life sciences.
• At least 4 years of technical experience in the pharmaceutical industry in drug discovery or development, or demonstrated considerable experience with and knowledge of drug discovery and development and/or with patent litigation relating to pharmaceutical products.
• Ability to be innovative and proactive.

Company Information

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

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Salary

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