Intellectual Property Associate (Life Sciences Litigation)
The Opportunity
Our client, a leading international law firm with a highly regarded Intellectual Property practice, is seeking an Associate to join its Life Sciences IP Litigation team in London.
This is an opportunity to work on complex, high-value patent disputes for some of the world's most innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and healthcare companies. The team is regularly instructed on market-leading and precedent-setting matters, including multi-jurisdictional patent litigation, SPC disputes, regulatory challenges and other strategically important IP issues.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative and technically strong team that is recognised for its expertise in the life sciences sector and offers significant client exposure and responsibility from an early stage.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device clients on contentious patent matters.
- Managing UK patent litigation proceedings before the High Court and Court of Appeal.
- Supporting and coordinating multi-jurisdictional patent disputes across Europe and other key jurisdictions.
- Working closely with clients, patent attorneys, scientific experts and overseas counsel.
- Drafting pleadings, witness statements, expert evidence and strategic advice.
- Conducting detailed legal and technical analysis of complex scientific subject matter.
- Advising on supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), regulatory exclusivities and related life sciences disputes.
- Participating in business development initiatives and maintaining strong client relationships.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have:
- 2-6 years' PQE gained at a leading UK, international or specialist IP practice.
- Strong experience in patent litigation, ideally with a focus on life sciences.
- Exposure to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or wider life sciences matters.
- Excellent drafting, analytical and advocacy-related skills.
- The ability to understand and communicate complex scientific and technical concepts.
- Strong academic credentials and a consistent record of achievement.
- A commercial and pragmatic approach to client service.
- The confidence to manage workstreams and take ownership of matters while working collaboratively within a team.
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