Associate Director, Intellectual Property

Why Sarepta? Why Now?
The promise of genetic medicine has arrived, and Sarepta is at the forefront. We hold leadership positions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs), and we currently have more than 40 programs in various stages of development in gene therapy, RNA and gene editing. In 2023, we launched our fourth therapy and the first ever gene therapy to treat Duchenne.
 

We’re looking for people who see unlimited potential in themselves and who are motivated by an unwavering commitment to patients.
 

What Sarepta Offers

At Sarepta, we care deeply about all the people in our community and believe in the importance of supporting them in all aspects of their lives. We aspire to maintain a culture that acknowledges people bring their whole selves to work, and we will strive to help everyone in our community integrate their work and personal lives while maintaining productivity. We are committed to offering a range of benefits and work-life resources designed to support people in the following areas:

• Physical and Emotional Wellness

• ​Financial Wellness

• Support for Caregivers
   

For a full list of our comprehensive benefits, see our website: https://www.sarepta.com/join-us
 

The Importance of the Role

The Associate Director, Patent Counsel directly supports Sarepta’s Gene Therapy/Editing platforms and pipeline of pre-clinical and clinical candidates, and reports to the Vice President, Head of Gene Therapy/Editing IP. This role works on a broad range of global patent preparation & prosecution matters in a fast-paced environment, builds and maintains a strong strategic intellectual property portfolio in support of the company’s drug discovery, development, and commercialization efforts. In addition, this role supports attorneys in the Legal IP group on transactional and contentious matters. This role works closely and collaboratively on a cross-functional basis, including research, development, and manufacturing teams as well as within the broader Legal department.

The Opportunity to Make a Difference

• Identify patentable inventions through frequent interactions with internal and external R&D project teams, facilitate the creation of appropriate patent protection strategies and execute on those strategies with guidance as needed.
• Independently provide global strategic direction to US outside counsel and foreign agents on patent filing and prosecution matters.
• Prepare and prosecute patent applications directly with the USPTO., and in conjunction with external business partners and their IP counsel.
• Review proposed publications and presentations for potential impact on patent portfolio.
• Support the provision of IP landscapes, patentability, FTO opinions, and Due Diligence assessments for R&D pipeline programs and Business Development opportunities.
• Assist in the negotiation and drafting of agreements with IP implications (e.g., CDAs, MTAs, research agreements, licenses, etc.).
• Assist in IP contentious matters in US and foreign patent offices and courts.
• Educate and advise colleagues on intellectual property issues and good practices.

More about You

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, Immunology or Biochemistry preferred; BS/MS degree in the above or similar fields with substantial relevant research experience in a Biotechnology area will be considered.
• Admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and must be licensed or registered to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in prosecuting and preparing technically relevant patent applications at a highly regarded law firm and/or corporate legal department; law firm as well as in-house experience a plus..
• Meaningful preparation and prosecution experience with Biotechnology or Biopharmaceutical subject matter (e.g. molecular and/or cell biology; gene or cell therapy/editing, antibodies…etc). Additional experience with small molecule patent preparation and prosecution a plus.
• Experience with US and EP post-grant patent office proceedings a plus.
• Familiarity with agreements having IP implications.
• Familiarity with regulatory exclusivities for therapeutics filed under a BLA.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, written, verbal and visual communication skills and willingness to be a team pl