Merck
Patent Attorney
Are you interested in the intersection of scientific innovation and property law, especially how to efficiently capture innovation with intellectual property, incentivize continued R&D and drive access to life‑saving medicines for patients? If so, the Patent Counsel role at our Company could be an ideal opportunity for you. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team in Rahway, New Jersey.
Responsibilities
Work independently with product development teams to devise a patenting strategy with the goal of building robust portfolios of intellectual property for cutting‑edge biopharmaceutical products.
Draft and prosecute patent applications related to our Company’s products, product candidates and platform technologies on a global basis.
Collaborate with internal litigation colleagues to support oppositions or other proceedings related to supported programs.
Work with a large team of in‑house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations and support staff, and local agents.
Conduct freedom‑to‑operate analyses for our Company’s R&D activities.
Actively support various business development activities (e.g., research collaborations and acquisitions) by conducting IP due diligence on assets or technology of interest, counseling the business as to IP expectations, and supporting the drafting and negotiation of related agreements.
Travel may be required, domestically and internationally.
Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences.
Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school.
Registered to practice before the USPTO.
Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia.
Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, drafting and prosecuting biologic/vaccine and/or pharmaceutical patent applications (time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered).
Strong technical background in the biological sciences.
Excellent communication and analytical skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences.
Experience counseling clients on intellectual property issues.
Experience prioritizing work and leveraging resources to manage a significant workload.
Ability to build partnerships and work in cross‑functional teams.
Ability to communicate competently and confidently with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders.
Ability to exercise judgment to drive decisions on routine and non‑routine matters within areas of practice.
Ability to be proactive and take initiative.
Benefits and Compensation Salary range: $206,200.00 – $324,600.00.
Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, other insurance, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on site per week, Monday–Thursday, with Friday as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions, or positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.
EEO Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Additional Information
Travel requirements: ~10%.
Relocation: Domestic.
Visa sponsorship: No.
Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid.
Shift: 1st – Day.
Valid driving license: No.
Hazardous material(s): N/A.
Job posting end date: 11/21/2025.
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Responsibilities
Work independently with product development teams to devise a patenting strategy with the goal of building robust portfolios of intellectual property for cutting‑edge biopharmaceutical products.
Draft and prosecute patent applications related to our Company’s products, product candidates and platform technologies on a global basis.
Collaborate with internal litigation colleagues to support oppositions or other proceedings related to supported programs.
Work with a large team of in‑house U.S. and European patent attorneys, paralegals, legal operations and support staff, and local agents.
Conduct freedom‑to‑operate analyses for our Company’s R&D activities.
Actively support various business development activities (e.g., research collaborations and acquisitions) by conducting IP due diligence on assets or technology of interest, counseling the business as to IP expectations, and supporting the drafting and negotiation of related agreements.
Travel may be required, domestically and internationally.
Qualifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the biological, pharmaceutical or chemical sciences.
Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school.
Registered to practice before the USPTO.
Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia.
Five (5) or more years of experience as an attorney in a law firm or corporate setting, drafting and prosecuting biologic/vaccine and/or pharmaceutical patent applications (time accrued as a practicing patent agent may be considered).
Strong technical background in the biological sciences.
Excellent communication and analytical skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills
Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences.
Experience counseling clients on intellectual property issues.
Experience prioritizing work and leveraging resources to manage a significant workload.
Ability to build partnerships and work in cross‑functional teams.
Ability to communicate competently and confidently with R&D clients, business partners, and senior leaders.
Ability to exercise judgment to drive decisions on routine and non‑routine matters within areas of practice.
Ability to be proactive and take initiative.
Benefits and Compensation Salary range: $206,200.00 – $324,600.00.
Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, other insurance, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three total days on site per week, Monday–Thursday, with Friday as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions, or positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.
EEO Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Additional Information
Travel requirements: ~10%.
Relocation: Domestic.
Visa sponsorship: No.
Flexible work arrangements: Hybrid.
Shift: 1st – Day.
Valid driving license: No.
Hazardous material(s): N/A.
Job posting end date: 11/21/2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr