Contract Patent Attorney Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) is a global animal health company dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services that prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets.

Patent Attorney on the Global IP team, responsible for shaping IP strategy through agreements, transactions, licensing, enforcement, and portfolio management.

• Provide counsel to internal business clients and negotiate with external entities on agreements, transactions, licensing, and enforcement matters to manage risk and achieve strategic goals.
• Draft and prosecute high‑quality U.S. patent applications and manage the global patent portfolio by directing outside counsel to align with business objectives.
• Conduct intellectual property due diligence, freedom‑to‑operate (FTO), and patent landscape assessments to guide R&D strategy and support business transactions.
• Review and advise on IP‑related clauses and rights issues in manufacturing, supply, and vendor contracts.
• Educate and train R&D and business teams on IP matters and monitor competitor activity to foster an IP‑aware culture.

• Education: Juris Doctor (or equivalent) and an undergraduate degree in a scientific field.
• Experience: 5–9 years of legal counsel on IP matters within a corporation or law firm.
• Professional Certification: Active admission to a state bar and registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Top Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. patent law and practice; proven ability to lead and succeed in cross‑functional teams.

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life‑sciences field.
• Extensive experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications for large and/or small molecule therapeutics.
• Previous in‑house counsel experience in animal health, human health, or crop science industries.
• Substantial experience with IP litigation, IPR, opposition proceedings, or M&A transactions.
• Strong business acumen and experience providing strategic legal guidance to senior management.

• Travel: 0–5%
• Location: Global – Elanco Headquarters, Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid work environment).
• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Elanco does not anticipate providing visa sponsorship.
• Elanco is an Equal Employment Opportunity / 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.
• Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401(k) matching up to 6%, flexible benefits, paid time off, parental leave, and other well‑being benefits.