Senior Counsel / Associate General Counsel – Intellectual Property

About Soleno Therapeutics Inc

Soleno is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the treatment of rare diseases based in Redwood City, CA.

At Soleno, we are driven by the unique and multi-faceted needs of the PWS community. Like these individuals, resilience is part of who we are – it is in our chromosomes – and our team is made up of exceptional colleagues whose collective efforts are woven together to deliver meaningful outcomes, both professionally and for those living with PWS. 

We value collaboration, integrity, and respect. These characteristics have allowed us to forge strong, authentic bonds with the caregivers, patients, health care professionals (HCPs) and community members we serve. We are proud to work alongside them every step of the way. 

Our employees are our greatest asset, and we're expanding across functions during this pivotal time. We invite you to join us in making an impact—and making history.We all share the most important goal of bringing solutions to the PWS community. 

Summary of Job (brief description)

Senior Counsel or Associate General Counsel (Dir. or Sr. Dir. level depending on experience) role will report to the General Counsel and oversee Soleno’s worldwide intellectual property portfolio and activities. This position requires an onsite presence in Redwood City, CA at least two days per week.

Position will oversee and direct the patent and/or intellectual property function within Soleno, including utilization and oversight of outside counsel as appropriate. Responsibilities include overseeing the preparation, filing, prosecution and enforcement of patent applications, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, licensing and research agreements, and review of publications and intellectual property aspects of contracts and agreements. Advise senior management on patent prosecution and IP strategy matters.

Responsibilities

• Develop high level intellectual property strategy for the company, identify and/or assess inventions, and manage patent drafting and prosecution relating to Soleno’s drug candidates and product portfolio.
• Identify opportunities for expanding Soleno’s intellectual property position and collaborate with members of various R&D and business groups to establish appropriate protection on this intellectual property.
• Identify and protect intellectual property arising from Soleno’s R&D programs, clinical trials and regulatory approvals.
• Be subject matter expert and provide legal advice on a broad range of topics involving intellectual property.
• Review abstracts, manuscripts, posters, and other information intended for public disclosure for possible IP concerns.
• Manage patent and IP-related litigation matters.
• Implement internal processes, procedures and training centered on intellectual property identification and protection.
• Draft, review and negotiate intellectual property provisions of manufacturing, research and development collaboration, purchase, supply, license, and master service agreements.
• Negotiate and support other technology transactions, such as commercial in-licenses, non-disclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, clinical development agreements and other similar activities.
• Conduct due diligence in support of in- and out-licensing opportunities and strategic alliances.
• Manage trademarks and domain names, address copyright questions and issues.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from accredited law school and 6+ years of practice as an attorney in a well-regarded law firm, and preference for additional in-house pharmaceutical industry experience. Advanced degree in relevant life science field such as genetics, chemistry, molecular biology, or biochemistry preferred.
• Active license to practice law in a state bar is required, California preferred. Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Experience with Orange Book and Patent Term Extension practice for the U.S. and SPC practice for Europe.
• Ability to be subject matter expert for all intellectual property matters facing Solen