Job Description
Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy.Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel) in 2017. Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.Role OverviewThe Global Head of Intellectual Property leads Legend Biotech’s global intellectual property strategy, supporting multiple research and business groups around the world. The position reports directly to the General Counsel of Legend Biotech.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee and direct Legend’s global intellectual property strategy, partnering closely with the General Counsel to guide business teams and executives.Ensure ongoing alignment of intellectual property strategy and action plans to global corporate strategy.Work closely with the executive team to provide practical advice on intellectual property investments and uses, including quarterly IP updates to key management and occasional presentations to Board of Directors.Develop excellent relationships with all operational teams and ensure that intellectual property needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.Direct a full range of patent support functions (including patent preparation and prosecution, maintenance and post-grant proceedings in Ireland and other jurisdictions).Perform freedom-to-operate studies, render opinions, and manage outside counsel.Support commercial transactions and help drive intellectual property business development and collaboration opportunities relating to Legend’s intellectual property.Develop and manage a global intellectual property team.Manage intellectual property budget for law firms and other IP-related expenditures.Oversee compliance under various license agreements and other intellectual property agreements and obligations.Direct strategy for and manage intellectual property litigation and proceedings.Review product and technical publications and partner with R&D and business teams to protect intellectual property and comply with applicable laws.Contribute as needed on other matters for legal team.RequirementsA J.D. from an accredited Ireland law school (or the equivalent); high degree of academic achievement.Licensed to practice law in one or more Ireland states.Admission to the Ireland Patent and Trademark Office.Technologically savvy with a post-graduate degree, preferably in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or related discipline, and have fluency in molecular and cell biology. We will consider other technical backgrounds where a candidate has demonstrated competencies in biotechnology or life sciences.At least 15 years of law firm and/or corporate legal department experience, including experience: drafting and prosecuting biotech/biological patent applications, rendering patentability and infringement opinions and drafting and negotiating licensing and other technology transactions.Experience managing intellectual property attorneys and other professionals.Experience advising executives on intellectual property decisions.Experience or a strong interest in business development or other strategic activities to leverage investments in intellectual property.Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills and judgment.Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.Excellent verbal and written skills.Ability to think strategically, effectively engage in-house clients, and give well organized, thoughtful presentations to technical and non-technical members of senior management.Language(s): Proficient English level is required.Legend Biotech is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is Legend’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr