Senior 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?

The Position

Handles complex intellectual property and related corporate and legal issues with minimal guidance. Identifies and aggressively pursues strategies and actions for global patent protection. May be responsible for maintaining comprehensive patent portfolios on Novo Nordisk inventions. May assist with IP litigation and/or IP issues relating to major transactions. Typically advises SVPs, VPs, managers, associate directors and directors.

Relationships

Reports to VP of Intellectual Property/Chief IP Counsel. 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

• Advises clients on all intellectual property-related matters with minimal guidance. Advises on complex research collaborations, validity, infringements, freedom to operate, patentability opinions, keeping a close working relationship with research and commercial arms of the Company
• Participates in litigation and litigation preparedness activities
• Drafts, reviews and may negotiate license agreements that involve intellectual property, as well as confidentiality/material transfer agreements, consultant agreements, and cooperative research agreements as requested
• Performs other legal, administrative and corporate duties upon request
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• A JD and science or engineering degree required; Licensed before a State Bar is required, registration before USPTO is preferred.
• Minimum of four – six years patent attorney experience in patent litigation is required, preferably in private practice. Experience in licensing and patent prosecution is preferred but not required.
• Effective time management skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with healthcare/pharma industry required
• Requires an understanding of the pharmaceutical business and company products
• Requires effective communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with other client groups within the company, including Headquarters and other affiliates as required
  
  
  

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.