TITLE:             Patent Agent

LOCATION:            Gaithersburg, MD

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Patent Agent is a core member of the Operations team. The role of this individual involves working closely with the Company's senior management, R&D, product development and outside patent counsel.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify and/or evaluate inventions that may be able to be patented, perform patentability research and analysis to evaluate the patentability.
• Prepare, draft, and file patent applications.
• Work closely with product development, R&D, and senior management to provide guidance on a variety of patent and IP-related issues.
• Conduct and participate in invention related research meetings.
• Develop patent procedures for inventions, products or unique projects.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel with regards to patent applications and issues.
• Educate top management and inventors on patent systems and procedures.
• Identify, review, assess and evaluate opportunities to purchase patents or patent licensing from third parties.
• Conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses.
• Review patent issues in mergers and acquisitions.
• Maintain and manage database relating to all patent procedures and processes.
• Ensure compliance of local, state and federal laws relating to patent matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a science discipline, with Master's or Ph.D. degree a plus.
• Must be registered to practice as a Patent Agent with the USPTO.
• 4+ years of patent experience in a law firm or life science company handling patent prosecution.
• Strong technological background.
• Satisfactory and positive responses from business and personal references.
• Passing of a background check which may include verification of prior employment, criminal conviction, and history, educational and driving records.

SUCCESS PROFILE:

• Hands-on, action oriented.
• High energy.
• Self-starter able to work autonomously.
• Copes well with the change, uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in an early stage company.
• Strong communications skills.
• Strong planning and execution skills.