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Patent Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merck Group

LS Patent Counsel

Burlington, MA · On-site

$147K - $220K/yr

... counseling aligned with our business objectives. Your Role In this role, you have an active part in patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents ...

AbbVie

Corporate Counsel-Patent

North Chicago, IL · On-site

AbbVie is searching for an in-house Counsel for our Patent Prosecution group, part of AbbVie's Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation legal team. This position will support AbbVie ...

AbbVie

Corporate Counsel-Patent

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$141K/yr

AbbVie is searching for an in-house Counsel for our Patent Prosecution group, part of AbbVie's Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation legal team. This position will support AbbVie ...

Lyten, Inc.

Senior Patent & IP Counsel

San Jose, CA

Lyten is seeking to hire its first Patent & IP Counsel to build and lead the company's intellectual property function, with a focus on patent strategy, hands-on drafting and prosecution, and IP ...

AbbVie

Senior Counsel-Patent

Waltham, MA

AbbVie is searching for an in-house Senior Counsel for our Patent Prosecution group, part of AbbVie's Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation legal team. This position will support AbbVie ...

Lyten, Inc.

Senior Patent & IP Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site

Lyten is seeking to hire its first Patent & IP Counsel to build and lead the company's intellectual property function, with a focus on patent strategy, hands-on drafting and prosecution, and IP ...

Electrolux

Senior Patent Attorney

Charlotte, NC

We are looking for an experienced and driven Senior Patent Counsel to join our Group Patents team as part of the global IP organization in the Group Legal function. The role is based in Charlotte ...

VusionGroup SA

Senior In-House Counsel (Patents)

Coppell, TX · Hybrid

$129K - $176K/yr

Lead the global management of Vusion's patent portfolio, including oversight of outside counsel responsible for drafting, prosecuting, filing, and maintaining patent applications across multiple ...

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Patent Counsel information

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How much do patent counsel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for patent counsel in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent counsel?

A patent counsel is a senior level patent attorney that works in a law firm. They handle cases related to patent law, which is legal ownership protection for scientific inventors. As a patent counsel, your responsibilities vary based on your specialization. If you work in patent infringement, you act as one of your client’s lawyers to defend their property in a federal court. If your focus is in prosecution, your duties revolve around getting your client’s patent application submitted, approved, and registered. While the primary qualifications are a law degree and licensing from the state bar, most patent lawyers also have a degree in a scientific field. While this is not technically necessary, experience in science can significantly improve your analytical and debate skills for this career.

What is the difference between Patent Counsel vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent CounselPatent Agent
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, patent bar examPatent bar exam, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLegal teams, law firms, corporate legal departmentsPatent offices, law firms, corporate R&D
Roles & ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, patent strategy, litigation supportPatent application drafting, prosecution, prior art searches

Patent Counsel typically holds a law degree and is admitted to the bar, enabling them to provide legal advice and handle patent litigation. Patent Agents, on the other hand, focus on patent prosecution and must pass the patent bar exam but do not hold a law degree. Both roles work within similar environments like law firms and corporate legal departments, but Patent Counsel often handles broader legal issues related to patents.

How does a patent counsel typically collaborate with research and development teams within an organization?

Patent Counsel often work closely with research and development (R&D) teams to identify inventions with commercial potential and ensure proper protection through patent filings. This collaboration involves regular meetings to discuss ongoing projects, providing guidance on patentability, and educating researchers about intellectual property considerations. By being involved early in the innovation process, Patent Counsel help streamline the patent application process and align IP strategies with business goals. Effective communication skills are essential, as translating technical concepts into legal documentation is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Counsel, you need a strong background in patent law, intellectual property strategy, and a technical degree (often in science or engineering), along with admission to the patent bar. Familiarity with patent management systems, legal research databases, and patent prosecution tools is standard. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively protecting innovations, navigating complex legal landscapes, and advising organizations on intellectual property matters.
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What cities are hiring for Patent Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Patent Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Patent Counsel jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Patent Counsel jobs? The top employers for Patent Counsel jobs are:
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What are popular job titles related to Patent Counsel jobs? For Patent Counsel jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Patent Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Counsel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,600 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

LS Patent Counsel

Merck Group

Burlington, MA • On-site

$147K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.
Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.
This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.
Ready to grow? You've learned the patent basics. Now you're ready for the next level. Building deep understanding of the business. Working directly with inventors. Helping shape the IP strategy. Growing with experienced colleagues. Developing the judgment that turns a strong patent practitioner into a trusted business advisor. That's what this opening in our Life Science Patents team offers.
We are adding to our team and are seeking a patent attorney who has the right skills and real curiosity, practical judgment, and genuine drive -a professional who sees patent work as a way to help shape and protect our meaningful Life Science innovations for our customers.
This team is passionate about what we do. We work directly with our R&D and business stakeholders, protecting our innovations, and are committed to delivering practical, high-quality IP strategic counseling aligned with our business objectives.
Your Role
In this role, you have an active part in patent portfolio management, including drafting, filing, prosecuting, and defending patents, preparing opinions, and advising on intellectual property matters that protect our innovative technologies and products.
You will work directly with R&D teams and cross-functional colleagues around the world to identify IP opportunities, assess risks, develop solutions, and support strategic decision-making.
Our Life Science technologies are broad and diverse, including areas such as filtration, chromatography, substrates, ligands, bioreactors, sensors, devices, chemistry, biology and more. Success in this role requires the right technical expertise, curiosity, sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues across technical and business functions.
If you are ready to build your career in a highly engaged and globally connected environment, we are excited to hear from you. Question is, are you ready?
Who You Are
Minimum Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant scientific or technical field, particularly engineering, biotechnology or a related discipline
  • JD from an accredited law school
  • Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • Minimum of 3 years of patent law experience
  • Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree and/or research and development experience
  • Experience supporting technologies relevant to Life Science, such as engineering, filtration, chromatography, bioprocessing, chemistry, or biology
  • Effective communicator
  • Skilled in, and adopter of, current and new digital tools
  • Keen attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work
  • Diligent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Proactive, collaborative working style, with the confidence to take initiative and the judgment to know when to seek input or guidance
  • Sound judgment and awareness of legal, business, and reputational risks
  • Strong business orientation and ability to connect IP strategy with business objectives using a practical, solutions-focused approach to complex IP matters

Location: Burlington, MA, USA; Remote to be considered
Travel:
Pay range for this position: $147,300.00 - $220,000.00
The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.
What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!
Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

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