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Patent Law Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will develop, implement, and execute a global intellectual property strategy for ...

Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law What you will do Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will develop, implement, and execute a global intellectual property strategy for ...

Are you a passionate and driven attorney with 3-5 years of experience in patent law and licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent Office? Are you seeking a role in a fast-paced corporate ...

Are you a passionate and driven attorney with 3-5 years of experience in patent law and licensed to practice after the U.S. Patent Office? Are you seeking a role in a fast-paced corporate environment ...

Are you a passionate and driven attorney with 3-5 years of experience in patent law and licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent Office? Are you seeking a role in a fast-paced corporate ...

Apply deep knowledge of national patent law and practice, including relevant legal developments and patent trends, to shape strategy and advice. * Understand and apply other forms of exclusivity ...

Apply deep knowledge of national patent law and practice, including relevant legal developments and patent trends, to shape strategy and advice. * Understand and apply other forms of exclusivity ...

Interdisciplinary and practice-oriented work in all areas of intellectual property (IP), in particular holistic handling of matters in the fields of patent, trademark and design law in an ...

Patent Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

McCarter & English is seeking a Patent Specialist for our Boston, MA office. The ideal candidate ... Comprehensive knowledge of MS office and familiarity with law firm document management systems (e.g ...

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Patent Law information

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$46.5K

$117.9K

$157K

How much do patent law jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent law in the United States is $117,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is patent law?

Patent law is a specialized area of intellectual property law that provides inventors with exclusive rights to their inventions for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date. It aims to encourage innovation by granting inventors the ability to control how their inventions are used, made, or sold. Patent law covers the process of obtaining patents, enforcing patent rights, and handling disputes related to patent infringement. Professionals in patent law often assist clients with preparing patent applications, navigating patent office procedures, and litigating patent cases in court.

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

To thrive as a Patent Attorney, you typically need a law degree, admission to a bar association, and a strong background in science or engineering. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and USPTO procedures is critical, along with passing the patent bar exam. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persuasive communication skills help you draft, prosecute, and defend patents effectively. These skills ensure the precise protection of clients’ inventions and successful navigation of complex legal and technical issues.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in patent law, and how can they be managed?

Patent law professionals often encounter challenges such as staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, managing complex patent portfolios, and navigating international patent regulations. To manage these, it is important to engage in ongoing professional development, collaborate closely with inventors and technical experts, and utilize specialized software for tracking deadlines and filings. Effective communication with clients and attention to detail are also crucial in ensuring the quality and enforceability of patents.

What is the difference between Patent Law vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent LawPatent Agent
CredentialsLaw degree, passing the bar examPatent bar exam, technical degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPatent firms, corporate R&D departments, patent offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, litigation, licensingPatent application preparation, prosecution, client advising

Patent Law involves practicing law, including litigation and legal advice, requiring a law degree and bar admission. Patent Agents focus on patent prosecution, preparing and filing patent applications, and do not need a law license but must pass the patent bar exam. Both roles work closely within the patent industry but serve different functions and have distinct credential requirements.

Is patent law a good career?

Patent law is a specialized legal field that involves helping clients secure and defend intellectual property rights for inventions and innovations. It typically requires a background in science or engineering, along with a law degree and passing the patent bar exam. The career offers opportunities for high earning potential, intellectual challenge, and work in law firms, corporations, or government agencies.

Is patent law in high demand?

Patent law is currently in high demand due to the increasing number of innovations and the need for intellectual property protection. Patent attorneys and agents with technical backgrounds and strong understanding of patent procedures are sought after in various industries, including technology and pharmaceuticals.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Law jobs?

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What states have the most Patent Law jobs?

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Infographic showing various Patent Law job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,945 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Career CategoryLaw/LegalJob Description

Join Amgen's Mission of Serving Patients

At Amgen, if you feel like you're part of something bigger, it's because you are. Our shared mission-to serve patients living with serious illnesses-drives all that we do.

Since 1980, we've helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world's toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas -Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease- we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you'll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.

Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you'll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.

Senior Counsel - Biotech Patent Law

What you will do

Let's do this. Let's change the world. In this vital role you will develop, implement, and execute a global intellectual property strategy for protecting Amgen's therapeutic products and product candidates (e.g., antibodies, dual targeting molecules, immunotherapeutics, RNA therapies, or cell-based therapies), including formulations, process development, and manufacturing methods relating to Amgen's pipeline and in-line products.

In addition, you will conduct IP due diligence activities in support of Amgen's strategic transactions and assist in the drafting and negotiation of IP provisions in various types of transactional agreements.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Working closely with Amgen scientists to identify patentable inventions
  • Drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications worldwide
  • Conducting prior art searches
  • Analyzing patents and preparing freedom-to-operate opinions
  • Conducting IP due diligence in support of licensing, research collaboration, and acquisition activities
  • Assisting in the drafting and negotiating of IP provisions of transactional agreements
  • Providing legal advice and counsel to R&D and Business partners on a wide range of IP related matters
  • Assisting with litigation-related matters and challenging/defending patents in PTAB proceedings, opposition proceedings, and other forums
  • You will work individually, in legal teams, and in cross-functional research and business teams across various geographies

This role will ideally be based in proximity to Amgen's research site in South San Francisco, California, corporate headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California or Cambridge MA OR as a remote position in the United States.

What we expect of you

We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The dynamic professional we seek is an attorney with these qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

  • J.D. degree or LL.M. degree from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction
  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Six (6) years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property law in the biopharma or life sciences space

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ten (10) or more years of experience practicing patent or intellectual property law focused in the biopharma or life sciences space, including pre-JD experience as a patent agent
  • Experience in all aspects of U.S. and foreign intellectual property law relating to biotechnology at a law firm or biotechnology/pharmaceutical corporation
  • Experience with patent preparation and prosecution related to nucleic acid therapeutics
  • An advanced degree such as a master's degree or Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related field
  • Experience with conducting IP due diligence for various types of transactions, including licensing and research collaborations
  • Experience with drafting and negotiating IP provisions of agreements
  • Excellent analytic, legal drafting and oral and written communication skills
  • Strong management and leadership skills; strong client service focus; ability to work independently and in teams; ability to work efficiently, to prioritize workflow, meet demanding deadlines, and manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience in U.S. and/or foreign adversarial proceedings (such as patent litigation, Inter Partes Reviews, Post Grant Reviews, or oppositions)
What you can expect of us

As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we'll support your journey every step of the way.

The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:

  • A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts

  • A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan

  • Stock-based long-term incentives

  • Award-winning time-off plans

  • Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.

Apply now and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.careers.amgen.com

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Application deadline

Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.

As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.

Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Amgen will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Salary Range

250,321.60USD -338,670.40USD