IP Manager (Can be located in Redwood City or San Diego)

Who You Are

Altos Labs™ is seeking an IP Manager to join a dynamic legal department committed to enabling a highly collaborative organization to do great science that is translated into novel therapeutics. The ideal candidate will have experience with the business, legal, and intellectual property of the life sciences industry and will have a mix of law firm and in-house academic or corporate experience.   Ideal candidate must possess advanced knowledge of Patent and Trademark (PTO) rules and procedures. Must be proficient at navigating EFS, PAIR and EPAS. Strong knowledge of and ability to keep abreast of 37 C.F.R. rules and MPEP rules are essential. We are looking for a detail oriented leader and influencer  with a collaborative spirit who is committed to helping build a robust IP program.  A successful candidate will need to feel comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders in a global environment and problem solve in new ways.

About the Legal Team

We are a world-class legal team that partners across the business to create high value IP portfolios while avoiding distractions, and guide company leadership around obstacles.  Our legal team is made up of very accomplished lawyers and staff who comprise a flexible, talented, diverse, and very cohesive team.

The position reports to our Legal Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Legal Operations  and is located in Redwood City, California or San Diego, California.

What You Will Contribute to Altos Labs

Technology

• Develop and drive the digital transformation roadmap for the IP practice group (e.g. IP Management Software and Document Management System)
• Evaluate, test, train, implement, and support the IP technology systems and/or research tools and align opportunities across Altos’ current suite of internal products.
• Produce key operational metrics for the IP team generating insights for data-driven decision making (e.g. docket reports, basic portfolio data)

Project Management & Process Development

• Proactively identify opportunities and devise plans to increase efficiencies by using technology and automation in our IP Program processes.
• Implement, manage, and iterate on programs, processes, and tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness for the IP Program.
• Manage the IP Intranet Content to deliver transparency and to accelerate adoption of best IP practices
• Collaborate with the IP team to monitor and maintain costs within budget.

IP Duties

• Lead Altos’ efforts in creating and maintaining high quality IP portfolios that include trade marks, patents, copyright and trade secrets by ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completion of legal document filings.
• Partnering with Altos’ IP attorneys, scientists, business teams, and outside counsel to support the day to day management of prosecution, maintenance, and docketing activities.  These activities can include:
  • Preparation and filing of US Patent and Trademark correspondence, transmittal documents, and formality documents (Declarations and Assignments).
  • Preparation and management of Information Disclosure statements, including the ability to comprehensively review art cited across large patent family/portfolios.
  • Generate docket reports and coordinate with attorneys, colleagues, foreign associates and outside counsel as needed.
  • Preparation and management of Information Disclosure Statements, including the ability to comprehensively review art cited across large patent family/portfolios.
• Corresponding with Foreign Associates and Outside Counsel relating to all Patent and Trademark Prosecution matters.
• Other ad hoc duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ (IP Manager) / 10+ (Senior IP Manager) years of relevant in-house experience in the patent field required (in-house or law firm)
• BA/BS required.
• Experience using the USPTO electronic filing system as well as a patent docketing system is required. Familiarity with European patent office files and procedures is a plus but not required.
• Value being part of, and contributing to, a diverse and inclusive team.
• Exercises discretion and confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience in adapting and executing in an ambiguous and fast-paced environment.
• Possess excellent attention to detail, problem-solving capabilities, judgment, negotiation, communication (written and verbal)
• Strong organizational skills
• Understanding of stakeholders’ experience and the ability to resolve requests in thoughtful and creative ways
• Ability to work with systems and teams across time zones to foster a cohesive and creative work environment
• Ability to work independently while managing high-volume workloads, multiple stakeholder demands and ever-shifting priorities all while instilling confidence