Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property

About the Department                                                                                                                                        

The Legal department is comprised of our Legal and Patents functions. We depend on our legal team to help drive growth and maintain the highest level of standards and practices across all of our legal efforts. It’s a tall order, which is why we only hire those who thrive on protecting the interests of our patients, employees and business, all while creating and implementing efficient and innovative solutions. As part of the team, you’ll work with employees across the organization to oversee legal matters and provide guidance on strategies that drive business and policy priorities and shape the reputation of Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI). At Novo Nordisk, your skills, dedication and ambition will help us change lives for the better. In exchange, we’ll offer you an opportunity to work with extraordinary talent and benefit from a range of possibilities for professional and personal development. Are you ready to realize your potential?

 

This position is based out of the Plainsboro, NJ location. This position follows all NNI guidance for remote/in office dedicated time. EST time-zone hours.

 

The Position

Handles complex intellectual property and related corporate and legal issues with minimal guidance. Identifies and aggressively pursues strategies and actions for global trademark and copyright protection, enforcement, and counseling. May support IP litigation and/or handle IP issues relating to trademark and copyright issues. Typically advises CVPs, VPs, managers, associate directors and directors.

 

Relationships

Reports to VP and Deputy GC of Intellectual Property and Patents. Interacts with department colleagues and various departments within Novo Nordisk. Also interacts with government agencies, law firms, trade organizations, and other external agencies. Interacts with senior management at NNI, headquarters, and/or other affiliates as required to drive business and set strategy.

 

Essential Functions

• Acts as spokesperson for Novo Nordisk’s IP function by making presentations to internal stakeholders and by speaking in public forums
• Advises clients on all intellectual property-related matters with minimal guidance. Advises on complex research collaborations, validity, infringements, freedom to operate, keeping a close working relationship with the research and marketing arms of the Company
• Drafts, reviews and may negotiate license agreements that involve intellectual property, as well as confidentiality/material transfer agreements, consultant agreements, and cooperative research agreements
• Handles all aspects of trademark prosecution without guidance including drafting applications, responding to Office Actions, and overseeing compliance with prosecution procedures
• Participates in litigation activities as requested
• Performs other legal, administrative and corporate duties upon request

 

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

 

Development Of People

Supervisory. Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business, and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities, and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process. Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility. Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures, and Novo Nordisk Way.

 

Qualifications

• A JD required; State Bar and registration before USPTO is required. Minimum of six years patent attorney experience in trademark prosecution and opinion work; preferably at least four years in private practice