Patent Attorney/Associate - Large Corporation - Tucson, Ariz.

Roche, one of the world's leading research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, is seeking a patent attorney. The attorney will coordinate the IP activities for Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. within one or more business areas. Secure protection for the company's intellectual property and minimize the risk associated with bringing new discoveries and innovation to the marketplace by ensuring respect for the valid intellectual property rights of third parties.

Responsibilities:
• Responsible for developing and implementing an IP strategy within one or more business areas.
• Act as the primary contact for Ventana IP issues within one or more business areas.
• Prepare, file and prosecute patent applications in the U.S. Patent Office in order to protect the company's investment in research and development.
• Prepare written opinions on issues of patentability, patent infringement, patent validity and freedom-to-operate in order to minimize the business risk associated with bringing new discoveries and innovation to the marketplace.
• Assist product development teams in designing products to avoid the valid patent claims of third parties in order to minimize the business risk associated with bringing new discoveries and innovation to the marketplace.
• Provide general counseling on IP issues to the relevant business area(s) including functional groups such as business management, marketing, research and development and manufacturing.
• Conduct trademark searching and opinions.

Requirements:
• Undergraduate degree in one of the following: Lifesciences/chemistry/chemical engineering/biotechnology.
• Advanced degree in the LifeSciences is preferred. Doctor of Jurisprudence, licensed to practice law in one or more of the 50 states. Licensed to practice law before the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Experience:
At least three years experience in IP practice, including patent preparation and prosecution, licensing, trademark practice and client counseling. Experience in the patenting of in vitro diagnostic devices or pharmaceuticals. At least some experience within IP litigation matters.

Contact:
Interested applicants should contact Yvonne Schuelke at Yvonne.Schuelke@contractors.roche.com or 520 / 229-4060.

Additional Info:
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Tucson, Arizona