ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Biotechnology Patent Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Satori Digital

Biotech Patent Attorney

Carteret, NJ · On-site

Offices | Hybrid Work Environment Summary Foley & Lardner's nationally recognized Chemical, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical group is seeking a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney with a Ph.D. in life ...

SagePaths

Patent Attorney

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$170K/yr

Patent Attorney - Life Sciences (Biotech / Pharma) Location: Boston, US Overview A highly regarded, boutique intellectual property firm is seeking a Patent Attorney with a strong life sciences ...

Novartis Group Companies

Patent Attorney

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Significant experience as a patent attorney within a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment * Strong technical expertise in chemistry, preferably including experience with small ...

Novartis

Patent Attorney

Cambridge, MA · Hybrid

Significant experience as a patent attorney within a law firm or pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment * Strong technical expertise in chemistry, preferably including experience with small ...

Direct Counsel

Patent Agent/Advisor (Biotech)

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$125K - $205K/yr

The Opportunity The Patent Agent/Advisor will work closely with attorneys and clients on a variety of matters related to biotechnology patent prosecution and counseling. The role offers exposure to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsAttorneys JobsBiotechnology Patent Attorney Jobs

Biotechnology Patent Attorney information

See salary details

$67K

$149.4K

$259.5K

How much do biotechnology patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for biotechnology patent attorney in the United States is $149,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biotechnology patent attorney?

A Biotechnology Patent Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in securing and protecting intellectual property rights related to biotechnology inventions. They assist clients, such as research institutions and biotech companies, with drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications to safeguard new biological processes, products, or technologies. Additionally, they may provide legal advice on patent infringement, licensing agreements, and regulatory compliance. Their work requires expertise in both biotechnology and patent law, often holding advanced degrees in science and law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biotechnology patent attorney?

To thrive as a Biotechnology Patent Attorney, you need a strong background in life sciences (often a PhD or advanced degree), a law degree, and admission to the patent bar. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and USPTO filing procedures is essential, and registration with the USPTO is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding attorneys apart. These skills ensure accurate patent protection for biotechnological inventions, effective client representation, and successful navigation of complex legal and scientific landscapes.

What are some common challenges faced by biotechnology patent attorneys when working with scientific inventors?

Biotechnology Patent Attorneys often encounter challenges in translating complex scientific discoveries into patent applications that meet legal requirements. Collaborating with inventors can require bridging the gap between scientific language and legal terminology, ensuring that all inventive aspects are accurately captured and sufficiently disclosed. Additionally, attorneys must stay updated on evolving patent laws and biotechnology advancements to craft strong, defensible patents. Effective communication and a solid understanding of both science and law are crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Biotechnology Patent Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectBiotechnology Patent AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, technical background in biotechTechnical degree, patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, patent officesPatent law firms, corporate IP departments, patent offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, patent prosecution, litigationPatent application preparation, prosecution, patent filing

Both Biotechnology Patent Attorneys and Patent Agents work in patent law related to biotech innovations. Attorneys can provide legal advice and represent clients in court, while Patent Agents focus on patent prosecution and application processes. The choice depends on whether legal representation or patent filing is needed.

More about Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs

What cities are hiring for Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Biotechnology Patent Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs are:

Biotechnology Patent Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotechnology Patent Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,437 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Attorney

Direct Counsel

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$215K - $320K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving biotechnology and life sciences technologies.

  • Manage domestic and international patent prosecution matters throughout the patent lifecycle.

  • Conduct and analyze freedom-to-operate, IP due diligence, infringement, validity, and patent landscape searches.

Job description

Location: Philadelphia, PA | Hybrid
Compensation: $215,500–$320,000 + Bonus

Direct Counsel is representing a highly regarded national law firm seeking a Life Sciences Patent Prosecution Associate to join its sophisticated Intellectual Property practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for a patent attorney with a strong scientific background to work on complex biotechnology and life sciences patent matters for clients ranging from innovative startups to major global companies.

The firm is preferencing candidates in Philadelphia, although candidates located near other firm offices may also be considered.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of biotechnology patent prosecution experience, an advanced degree in the biological sciences (Ph.D. strongly preferred), and registration to practice before the USPTO.

Candidates should have meaningful experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving biologics, biotechnology, or other large-molecule technologies.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving biotechnology and life sciences technologies.
  • Manage domestic and international patent prosecution matters throughout the patent lifecycle.
  • Conduct and analyze freedom-to-operate, IP due diligence, infringement, validity, and patent landscape searches.
  • Counsel clients regarding patent strategy, portfolio development and management, and enforcement considerations.
  • Communicate with clients, the USPTO, foreign associates, and internal legal teams regarding prosecution strategy.
  • Work closely with attorneys and scientists on sophisticated biotechnology and life sciences intellectual property matters.
  • Contribute to a collaborative and entrepreneurial IP practice with significant opportunities for professional development.
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a patent attorney handling biotechnology or life sciences patent matters.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant biological science; Ph.D. preferred.
  • Scientific backgrounds may include:
    • Molecular Biology
    • Cell Biology
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
    • Genetics
    • Biochemistry
    • Biotechnology
    • Related life sciences disciplines
  • Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving biologics or other large-molecule technologies.
  • Experience conducting freedom-to-operate, patent landscape, validity, infringement, and/or IP due diligence analyses.
  • USPTO registration in good standing required.
  • Admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
  • Prior law firm experience preferred.
  • Strong academic credentials.
  • Excellent legal writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple sophisticated matters and competing deadlines.
  • Permanent authorization to work in the United States.
Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $215,500–$320,000, depending on experience.

Additional compensation opportunities may include discretionary and hours-based bonuses.

The firm also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement programs, along with a strong culture of mentorship, professional development, and advancement.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to combine an advanced scientific background with sophisticated patent practice while working alongside experienced intellectual property attorneys on cutting-edge life sciences technologies.

For a Ph.D.-level patent attorney with biotechnology prosecution experience, this is an opportunity to join a nationally recognized platform while developing a long-term career in life sciences intellectual property.

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal professionals with leading law firms and legal organizations nationwide.