Head of Intellectual Property

Head of Intellectual Property Location : Lexington, MAEducation level : Master or PhDJob category : Legal ops & Intellectual PropertyTarget start date : 4 / 1 / 2025Work Location : HybridShift : 1stPlace in the OrganizationuniQure is dedicated to bringing innovative gene therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. Each function in uniQure is directly or indirectly responsible for the lives of patients by (i) living up to high-quality standards and (ii) recognizing the sense of urgency in areas of high medical need.Key result areas (major duties, accountabilities and responsibilities)We are seeking an experienced, versatile Intellectual Property Counsel focused on providing solutions-focused counseling on intellectual property matters in the company’s discovery, development, and commercialization of rare disease, genetic-based products. This role will manage a wide range of intellectual property responsibilities, including developing intellectual property strategies, patent prosecution, enforcement and litigation, patent portfolio management, advising on intellectual property matters in transactions, due diligence, and freedom-to-operate analyses to support the company’s innovative platform technologies and products.The role will report to the company’s Chief Legal Officer, oversee a small team of patent practitioners, and work cross-functionally with internal departments and external resources as required on intellectual property matters.Lead the development and execution of the company’s comprehensive patent and trademark strategy to protect its inventions related to its gene therapy platform and products.Manage a portfolio of patents and trademarks, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting intellectual property due diligence, and overseeing licensing and enforcement activities.Monitor and analyze intellectual property trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory developments in US and major markets to assess risks and opportunities.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and protect valuable intellectual property assets.Lead initiatives to identify, capture, and protect innovations from research and development activities.Anticipate and manage global intellectual property disputes, including litigation and post-grant proceedings.Provide IP training and build a culture of innovation across the company.Oversee and provide counsel on freedom-to-operate and patent-clearance activities.Provide training and education to legal colleagues and organization stakeholders on IP risk-mitigation measures.Review and advise on proposed publications and presentations.Build effective relationships to maximize communication with colleagues across functions.Other complex tasks within the Intellectual Property function as assigned, including budget management.Minimum Requirements : Master’s degree in life sciences discipline (molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology) or a related field, preferably a PhD, or equivalent experience in scientific research.Qualified Patent Attorney or IP lawyer admitted to practice in at least one jurisdiction (EP, NL, or US).Juris Doctor degree with excellent academic credentials.Ten or more years of post-JD experience as a patent attorney in a law firm or biotech / pharma industry.Proven leadership experience managing teams, portfolios, and outside counsel.Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Strong knowledge of patent law, trademark law, and IP licensing.This is a hybrid position that may be located in Lexington, MA, USA or Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We are looking for someone to be onsite 2-3 days per week. Some travel may be required to the company’s sites located in Lexington, MA, USA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland. Proficiency in English is a must.#J-18808-Ljbffr