Patent Agent or Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Associate

Our Client is seeking a Patent Agent or Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Associate with a strong background in biological sciences to join its nationally recognized Intellectual Property Practice. For more than 40 years, Choate has advised life sciences and technology companies, investors, and leading universities on building and managing sophisticated global patent portfolios.

This role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact patent matters spanning prosecution, strategy, and contentious proceedings, in a collaborative, partner-led environment that emphasizes practical, business-focused IP solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications, including:

• Responding to Office Actions
• Conducting examiner interviews
• Handling appeals before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)

Coordinate and direct international patent prosecution strategies.

Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches and analyses.

Perform IP landscape analyses and competitive patent surveillance.

Support IP due diligence for asset purchases, financings, and securities offerings.

Prepare invalidity and non-infringement analyses.

Advise clients on patent prosecution and lifecycle strategies.

Monitor competitor patent applications and submit observations to the U.S. Patent Office.

Assist with contested proceedings, including inter partes review (IPR), post-grant review (PGR), and related district court matters.

Support the drafting and review of IP-related agreements, including:

• Licensing agreements
• Research collaborations
• Research services agreements

Qualifications

Advanced degree in biological sciences (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree considered with substantial industry experience).

3–6 years of experience as a patent agent or patent associate.

Prior law firm experience.

USPTO registration required.

Strong academic record.

Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

Demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service with a creative and entrepreneurial approach to intellectual property.

Experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is a plus.

Work Schedule & Environment

Hybrid work model with a requirement of at least four days per week in the Boston office.

Schedule subject to change based on firm, department, and client needs.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

BHW-VSV1314

• Where are you located?
• What is your expected salary for this job?
• What is your notice period; when can you engage this job?
• Please only apply and press yes if you have read the requirements, education, experience and certifications, and match these.
• Are you authorized to work in the US without sponsorship?