Job Title
Patent Attorney (Director, Legal) – MSD in the UK
Overview
Are you interested in the intersection of scientific innovation and law, especially how to efficiently capture innovation with intellectual property, assert and defend patent rights, incentivize continued R&D and drive access to life-saving medicines for patients? If so, this role could be an ideal opportunity. The in-house patent team is based in Moorgate, London, and you will primarily provide European patent support for biologic/vaccine programs within the Human Health division.
Role and Responsibilities
* Filing and prosecuting European patent applications before the EPO for inventions related to products, product candidates and platform technologies.
* Representing the company in EPO oppositions, including supporting opposition matters where outside counsel is engaged, and appearing in oral proceedings before the EPO.
* Filing and prosecuting European SPC applications across Europe; devising a patenting strategy for Europe to build robust IP portfolios for cutting-edge biopharmaceutical products.
* Conducting freedom-to-operate assessments and providing support for national/regional patent litigation in Europe.
* Carrying out IP due diligences for corporate transactions (e.g., research collaborations, acquisitions) and providing legal counseling aligned with company policies and business objectives.
* Working with a large in-house team of patent attorneys, paralegals, and support staff across multiple locations, and coordinating with outside counsel when appropriate.
* Supporting discovery, development, manufacturing and supply, regulatory, business development, and commercial groups in IP matters.
Team and Structure
You will report to the Head of European Patents and work with three other European Patent Attorneys and five support staff, as part of a wider Intellectual Property Department located in Rahway, NJ; Boston, MA; and Boxmeer, Netherlands.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Education
* Degree in the pharmaceutical or biological sciences from an accredited institution.
* Qualified as a European Patent Attorney (1+ years ago) and qualified or intending to qualify as a Chartered Patent Attorney.
Required
* 5+ years’ experience in private practice or a corporate setting in the patent field.
* Expertise in filing and prosecuting biologic/vaccine (large molecule) patent applications at the EPO.
* Expertise in EPO opposition proceedings.
* Experience in carrying out freedom-to-operate assessments.
* Strong legal and technical background.
Preferred
* Experience in filing and prosecuting SPC applications across Europe.
* Expertise in regulatory exclusivities for medicines in Europe.
* Experience in supporting national/regional litigation.
* Experience in counseling clients on intellectual property issues.
Skills & Competencies
* Excellent communication and analytical skills.
* Ability to manage a substantial workload and juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
* Ability to work in cross-functional teams and liaise with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders.
* Proactive, with the ability to take initiative.
Location and Working Arrangements
Location: London, United Kingdom. Hybrid work arrangement available.
Company Values and Diversity
We value diversity and inclusion and are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage colleagues to challenge thinking constructively and work collaboratively for the common good.
Closing Date
Closing date for applications: 31 October 2025.
Job Details
* Employment type: Full-time
* Location: London, England, United Kingdom
* Relocation/VISA sponsorship: As applicable
* Travel: As required
For relevant responsibilities and required skills, see the full description above.
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