Assistant General Patent Counsel - IP Litigation

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our 35,000 employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Assistant General Patent Counsel – IP Litigation

Responsibilities:

Experienced and strategic patent litigation attorney with impeccable judgment who will be a member of the legal team responsible for U.S. patent enforcement and freedom to operate litigation matters, particularly in, but not limited to, Hatch-Waxman litigation. Individual must be energized by working in a dynamic environment with broad responsibility. This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving and proactive litigation group. Position reports to the Sr. Director- Assistant General Patent Counsel - IP Litigation.

• Set strategy for, manage, and provide advice to senior leadership and the business on pre-litigation, litigation, and various high-risk IP matters
• Lead and manage the activities of outside counsel and coordinate internal efforts to meet IP litigation requirements
• Advise members of senior management on global IP litigation matters
• Maintain engagement with key external parties and entities, including counterparts at other companies in the industry, key government agencies, and outside counsel network
• Coordinate across Lilly Legal on IP litigation issues impacting any relevant areas of the business, geographies, activities and legal advice
• Partner effectively with counterparts and colleagues within Lilly Legal, in particular colleagues responsible for IP Procurement
• Build and maintain relationships with key Lilly constituencies

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and J.D. degrees
• Active license to practice law
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a practicing patent attorney in the pharma and/or biotech spheres
• A minimum of 5 years of small molecule pharmaceutical litigation experience, including general patent enforcement and freedom to operate matters
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position

Additional Skills/Preferences:

• An advanced degree in organic chemistry or related discipline (or equivalent work experience)
• Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in working with senior leadership
• Highly motivated and collaborative partner with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with team members, other lawyers, and members of management across all levels of the company
• Good judgment and a meticulous level of attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to influence others
• Demonstrated ability to appropriately handle highly confidential information
• Demonstrated commitment to expand knowledge and adapt to a changing environment
• Experience managing IP litigation within the pharmaceutical industry preferred
  

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

As a condition of employment with Eli Lilly and Company and its subsidiaries in the United States and Puerto Rico, you must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination satisfactory to the company. If you would like to request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons, you may do so at workplace_adjustment@lilly.com.