Senior Patent Counsel

Summary

Join Caribou Biosciences as a Senior Patent Counsel and lead the company's intellectual property strategy. You will manage a global patent docket, draft and prosecute patent applications, conduct IP due diligence, and advise internal stakeholders on patent matters. This role requires a minimum of 7 years of patent experience, preferably in biotech/pharma, and a J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school. You will supervise the Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property, and foster a collaborative team environment. The position is based in Berkeley, CA, with a minimum of two days per week onsite required. Caribou offers a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary, bonus, equity, generous paid time off, excellent benefits, and a 401(k) plan.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, preferably in-house at a biotech or pharma company focused on cell and gene therapies and/or genome editing
• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Deep knowledge of patent law, case law, and USPTO procedures
• J.D. law degree from an accredited U.S. law school, preferably admitted to practice in California
• Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences (immunology, molecular biology, etc.); M.S./Ph.D. desirable
• Experience with patent search tools and databases, including patent docketing and annuities systems (CPI)
• Demonstrated experience and success in building and leveraging global IP portfolios at all stages of prosecution
• Ability to grasp scientific and technical concepts quickly
• Ability to collaborate, work independently and proactively with minimum direction, and to balance competing priorities with a high level of professionalism and with the ability to reprioritize quickly and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent writing and analytical skills; ability to provide IP advice in a clear, concise manner, both verbally and in writing
• Skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with foreign counsel
• Openness to tackle new challenges, effectively utilizing available resources
• Deadline-driven
• Familiarity with trademark usage and practice
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring IP professionals
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and influence
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize team objectives while maintaining individual accountability
• Skilled in strategic planning, delegation, and performance management
• Excellent emotional intelligence and conflict resolution capabilities
• Ability to work onsite in Berkeley, CA

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, further develop, and implement Caribou’s intellectual property strategy
• Manage active global docket, including independently drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and provide prosecution strategy and instructions to foreign counsel
• Lead IP due diligence for in- and out-licensing opportunities and strategic alliances
• Conduct freedom-to-operate, infringement, and validity analyses
• Identify and assess IP risk and develop risk mitigation strategies in support of the Company’s product candidates
• Analyze new innovation disclosures and lead Patent Committee meetings
• Provide counseling to various internal stakeholders on patent and related IP matters
• Advise on IP issues relating to clinical trials and regulatory approval
• Directly supervise Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property, including managing workload, conducting performance evaluations, and supporting professional development
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment within the Legal Department
• Build effective relationships within the Company; provide in-depth, clear, and strategic patent and scientific expertise, education, guidance, and advice
• Maintain expertise in patent law, case law, and regulations of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and other foreign patent offices

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees
• Salary Range: $250,000 to $285,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement program