Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel

Overview

A growth-stage, venture-backed company specializing in AI-driven drug discovery is seeking an Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to join their legal team as the second in-house attorney. This role involves working closely with the Head of Legal on a broad range of matters including building and managing the IP portfolio, negotiating commercial agreements, and advising on regulatory and compliance issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute patenting strategy for AI/ML methods, computational chemistry, platform technologies, and small molecule drug discovery.
• Conduct patent harvesting sessions with engineers and scientists; assist in drafting and refining patent claims.
• Collaborate with outside counsel to file and prosecute patent applications.
• Manage the existing patent portfolio, including decisions on renewals, international filings, and annuities.
• Oversee trademarks and support freedom-to-operate analyses and IP due diligence.
• Build scalable IP processes and policies to support company growth.
• Provide IP counseling to research, platform, and engineering teams early in the innovation lifecycle.
• Train internal teams on IP best practices.
• Draft, review, and negotiate various commercial agreements such as NDAs, supplier/vendor agreements, software and SaaS licenses, data access agreements, and research collaboration agreements.
• Advise on open source software licensing compliance and AI-specific IP issues, including generative AI use in research and product development.
• Support cybersecurity, privacy, and data governance efforts in partnership with legal leadership and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Admission to the U.S. Patent Bar.
• Minimum of 5 years of legal experience with a significant focus on intellectual property, gained at a law firm, in-house, or both.
• Experience drafting patent claims and managing patent prosecution.
• Background in biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, or a related scientific discipline, demonstrated through a technical degree or substantial work experience.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and willingness to take on responsibilities beyond core IP work, including commercial contract negotiation and operational legal tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and technical concepts to non-lawyer stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-house experience at a high-growth or startup biotech or AI company.
• Interest and knowledge in AI tools and AI-specific IP considerations, including software and algorithm patentability, AI-assisted invention, and open source compliance in AI development.
• Familiarity with research collaboration and pharmaceutical partnering agreements, including milestone and royalty structures.
• Experience building or managing a patent portfolio in a comparable company.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Comprehensive health benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage fully paid for employees.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy.
• Free lunches and dinners at company offices.
• Paid family leave (maternity and paternity).
• Life insurance and long- and short-term disability insurance.

Location

The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with a fully integrated laboratory in San Diego, California.