Senior Director, IP Litigation- Americas
Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!
Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .
This position is based in Northbrook, Illinois. Remote work from certain states may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines. Candidates interested in remote work are encouraged to apply.
Purpose and Scope:
The Senior Director, IP Litigation (Americas) is a key IP Litigation (“IPL”) team member who serves as a collaborative strategic business partner and provides practical, timely, high quality legal services for all aspects of IP litigation for the Company. The Senior Director, IP Litigation (Americas) will operate as an IP Litigation Lead in the Americas Region, in addition to providing IP litigation expertise and support globally. The Senior Director, IP Litigation (Americas) will aggressively, proactively and strategically enforce and defend the Company’s IP rights. The ultimate responsibility of this position is to facilitate the Company’s business objectives by providing timely and effective IP litigation support in North and South America, while minimizing potential legal exposure and IP-related business risk.
The Senior Director, IP Litigation (Americas) will be responsible for managing all aspects of IP Litigation in the Americas Region and globally, as assigned, including analyzing and strategically resolving complex litigation, proactively identifying potential risk areas, and recommending creative and strategic options and courses of action in a manner that protects the Company’s business interests. Additionally, the Senor Director, IP Litigation (Americas) will be responsible for identifying, managing, and overseeing external counsel and the associated budgets in support of these litigation activities. The Senior Director, IP Litigation (Americas) will closely coordinate and collaborate with other IPL, IP Development & Commercial (“IPDC”), IP Innovation & New Technology (IP-INV), and Litigation, Investigation and Strategic Learning colleagues on all IP Litigation matters relevant to their respective areas of responsibilities. The Senior Director, IP may provide leadership, development and management of lawyers or staff working in the above areas as necessary.
This position will provide guidance to management and other senior leaders at global, regional and local levels and will report to the Vice President, IP Litigation.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Managing and developing/implementing global strategies for all IP Litigations and disputes globally, with a focus on North and South America, including identifying areas of risk and advising the VP, IP Litigation, the General Counsel and other senior management on risks and opportunities for risk mitigation and management, including potential settlements.
Working in partnership with outside counsel and cross-functional/cross-regional stakeholders to develop and drive case strategies as an effective and cohesive team, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions.
Working within IPDC and IPINV as well as with Commercial leaders and other business stakeholders globally to anticipate potential IP disputes and develop strategies to avoid and mitigate risks.
Making strategic decisions regarding legal arguments and positions taken in IPL globally, with a focus on the Americas Region.
Partnering effectively with attorneys from other IP teams to assess potential litigation risks in due diligence where relevant.
Effectively partner with the company’s alliance and other business partners where appropriate in managing IP litigation.
Coordinating and working closely with the Corporate Communications function on all matters related to those matters covered by the IPL Team.
Providing updates to senior management and business clients on those matters supported by the IPL Team, including changes in legal developments affecting the pharmaceutical industry, coordinating with other leaders in the Legal Division as appropriate.
Retaining, supervising and directing outside counsel effectively and efficiently managing legal expenses and all other expenses consistent with global budget for the legal support provided by the IPL Team, collaborating and coordinating closely with Legal & IP Operations.
Perform special projects as assigned and demonstrates consistent leadership on a wide range of issues.
Assist in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures within the IPL team. May identify and lead the development of business or team process improvements that will prevent or minimize future IP-related business risks
Overnight travel, including international travel, as needed.
Organizational Context:
Reports to VP, IP Litigation
Works closely and collaborates with other teams and team members reporting into the VP, IP Litigation, as well as those reporting into the Head of IPDC, Head of IPINV, and broader Legal Team.
Qualifications:
Required
JD from a fully accredited law school.
BS degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related field.
Minimum of 12 years combined experience working in a law firm and corporate patent department with a focus on pharmaceutical/life science IP litigation/disputes, strategy and coordination.
Significant experience in Hatch-Waxman and biotech patent litigation and litigation management, IP analyses (freedom-to-operate, infringement, validity), and IP counseling.
Transactional experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements including settlement agreements, patent licenses, collaboration agreements, conducting due diligence and development agreements.
Excellent ability to grasp IP issues quickly, strong analytical problem solving and decision-making skills, exercise sound judgment and provide practical and constructive IP advice in a time-sensitive, dynamic, and fast-paced complex global environment.
Solid understanding of global patent laws including procedural laws and ability to advise internal clients from a global perspective.
Strong knowledge and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, including, R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial elements.
Very strong team player and able to build relationships both internally and externally.
Excellent negotiation and communication skills (both oral and written). Ability to communicate legal issues in a clear and understandable manner. Inspires trust and confidence through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong work ethic, self-motivated, innovative, strategic, detail-oriented and able to provide high quality and timely work product.
Able to independently manage multiple projects and work successfully in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
Strong ability to effectively interact with senior leaders globally. Understands and appropriately manages the cultural and logistical challenges of working with a foreign parent company and global organization.
Solid understanding of other legal issues with potential overlap with IP, including regulatory processes and protections for prescription drugs and antitrust laws.
Ability to foster business process improvements.
Benefits:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation, Sick time, plus national holidays including Heritage Days, and Summer and Winter Breaks
401(k) match and annual company contribution
Company paid life insurance
Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
Referral bonus program
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans.
Category IP Litigation
Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.
EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans