Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Counsel, Patent Prosecution image - Rise Careers
Job details

Counsel, Patent Prosecution

Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on XFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

AbbVie is searching for an in-house Counsel for our Patent Prosecution group, part of AbbVie’s Intellectual Property, Transactions, and Innovation legal team. Acting individually and in cross-functional teams, the in-house Counsel will develop and implement intellectual property strategies for AbbVie’s products and product candidates. 

This position will support AbbVie’s Immunology products and be based in our offices in either North Chicago, IL or Waltham, MA locations with a hybrid work model (onsite 3+ days/week).

Responsibilities:

  • Maximize AbbVie’s competitive position through creation and implementation of intellectual property strategies
  • Provide legal advice and counsel to cross-functional R&D and business teams on a variety of IP-related matters
  • Draft, file, and prosecute strategically useful patent applications worldwide both directly and through management of outside counsel
  • Challenge and defend patents in IPR, opposition, interference, and other post-grant proceedings
  • Conduct prior art searches, analyze third-party patent positions, and conduct due diligence to support business development activities

Qualifications

Requirements: 

  • Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, state bar admission enabling in-house practice (specific state not required), and registration to practice before the USPTO
  • 3+ years of experience practicing patent law as an attorney or patent agent at a law firm and/or life sciences company, including substantial U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
  • Technical background relevant for pharmaceutical patent prosecution, such as:
    • Experience with small molecule and/or biological pharmaceutical discovery & development, and/or
    • Technical degree in relevant field, such as molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or biomedical engineering
  • Strong legal, analytical, communication, collaboration, and people skills
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects to meet deadlines

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.​

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​

  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html 

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

AbbVie Glassdoor Company Review
3.9 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
AbbVie DE&I Review
No rating Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon
CEO of AbbVie
AbbVie CEO photo
Richard A. Gonzalez
Approve of CEO
What You Should Know About Counsel, Patent Prosecution, AbbVie

AbbVie is excited to welcome a talented Counsel for Patent Prosecution to our Intellectual Property team in North Chicago, IL or Waltham, MA! As a key player in our legal department, you'll dive into the intricate world of intellectual property strategies, supporting our innovative Immunology products. Imagine being part of a team that not only develops groundbreaking medicines but also maximizes AbbVie’s competitive edge through strategic intellectual property management. Your role will involve drafting and filing patent applications worldwide, and you’ll be at the forefront of managing complex patent issues while collaborating with cross-functional teams. You’ll also challenge and defend our patents in various proceedings, a crucial part of safeguarding our inventions. With a solid background in patent law and a passion for pharmaceuticals, you’ll conduct in-depth analyses of prior art and engage in due diligence that fuels our business development activities. At AbbVie, we thrive on teamwork and diversity, and we value the insights each team member brings. If you have the drive to tackle challenging legal matters and the expertise in patent prosecution, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in our mission to transform lives and improve healthcare outcomes globally!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Counsel, Patent Prosecution Role at AbbVie
What qualifications do you need to apply for the Counsel, Patent Prosecution position at AbbVie?

To apply for the Counsel, Patent Prosecution role at AbbVie, candidates must possess a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and be registered to practice before the USPTO. Additionally, they should have at least 3 years of experience in patent law, working at a law firm or in the life sciences arena, with experience in both U.S. and foreign patent prosecution.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What are the main responsibilities of the Counsel, Patent Prosecution at AbbVie?

In the role of Counsel, Patent Prosecution at AbbVie, you will be responsible for developing and implementing intellectual property strategies to enhance AbbVie’s competitive position. This includes drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications globally, advising cross-functional teams on IP matters, and managing patent challenges to protect AbbVie’s innovations.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What kind of experience is required for the Counsel, Patent Prosecution job at AbbVie?

The ideal candidate for the Counsel, Patent Prosecution position at AbbVie should have a strong background in patent law, ideally with experience in pharmaceutical development. Prior experience in small molecule or biological pharmaceutical discovery is highly desirable. A technical degree in a relevant field like molecular biology or biochemistry is also advantageous.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does AbbVie support the professional development of its Counsel, Patent Prosecution?

AbbVie is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including those in the Counsel, Patent Prosecution role. You will have access to mentoring, training programs, and opportunities to engage in cross-functional projects that enhance your skills and expand your knowledge in the field of intellectual property.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the work environment like for the Counsel, Patent Prosecution at AbbVie?

The Counsel, Patent Prosecution position at AbbVie offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility while fostering collaboration within the team. You'll work in a supportive environment where teamwork and creativity are encouraged, allowing you to contribute effectively to AbbVie’s innovative endeavors.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Counsel, Patent Prosecution
Can you explain your experience with patent prosecution and how it relates to the role at AbbVie?

In responding to this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully prosecuted patents, including any challenges you faced and how you resolved them. Discuss your familiarity with both domestic and international patent laws. Make sure to connect your experience directly to AbbVie's focus areas.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you prioritize cases and manage deadlines in patent prosecution?

When answering, discuss your approach to prioritizing cases based on deadlines, complexity, and business relevance. Provide examples of tools or methods you use to stay organized and ensure you meet critical timelines in your work.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What strategies do you employ to analyze prior art and assess its impact on patentability?

Share your methodology for conducting thorough prior art searches and your decision-making process when interpreting the results. Include how you use this intelligence to formulate proactive strategies for patent filings.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a challenging patent dispute you have managed. What was your approach?

Outline a specific dispute where you played a significant role, detailing the steps you took to address the situation. Emphasize negotiation tactics, collaboration with legal teams, and the final outcomes you achieved.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay updated with changes in intellectual property law?

Mention resources such as professional organizations, legal journals, and networking with other professionals in the field. Highlight any continuing education you pursue to maintain your expertise in patent law.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What do you believe is the most important quality for a successful patent prosecutor?

Discuss qualities such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Provide examples of how these traits have contributed to your success in the past.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you give an example of how you have collaborated with R&D teams on IP-related matters?

Provide a concrete example demonstrating your collaborative approach. Discuss how you gathered information from R&D, aligned legal strategy with scientific goals, and contributed to a project’s success.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How would you handle a situation where a patent was challenged by a competitor?

Detail the steps you would take to assess the challenge, including gathering relevant data, consulting with technical experts, and formulating a defensive strategy. Emphasize the importance of proactive management.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role does strategic thinking play in your approach to patent prosecution?

Discuss how strategic thinking guides your actions, from the initial patent filing to defending patents against challenges. Highlight the importance of aligning IP strategy with overall business objectives.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why do you want to work for AbbVie as a Counsel, Patent Prosecution?

Share your passion for AbbVie’s mission and how your values align with the company's commitment to innovation and patient care. Mention any specific projects or areas of focus at AbbVie that excite you.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 4 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 4 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 2 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Xero Remote No location specified
Posted 3 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Customer-Centric
Social Impact Driven
Passion for Exploration
Family Medical Leave
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Family Coverage (Insurance)
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Photo of the Rise User
Brex Remote San Francisco, California, United States
Posted 6 days ago
Customer-Centric
Growth & Learning
Collaboration over Competition
Inclusive & Diverse
Rapid Growth
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401K Matching
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Flex-Friendly
Medical Insurance
Equity
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 6 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
P2P. org Remote No location specified
Posted 11 days ago

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: i...

1796 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
March 21, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Getinge is hiring: UI/UX Developer in Streetsboro at Getinge
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Westerville just viewed Data analyst | Mid at Nord Security
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, North Canton just viewed Researcher-NBC Sports at NBCUniversal
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, North Canton just viewed Researcher-NBC Sports at NBCUniversal
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lakewood just viewed Culture and Programs Analyst at City of Philadelphia
Photo of the Rise User
13 people applied to immigration paralegal at gpac
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Olmsted Falls just viewed Customer Service - Representative at Waterway Carwash
M
Someone from OH, Strongsville just viewed Technical Writer (Contract) at Mintlify
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Inside Sales Co-Op at VEGA Americas
S
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Senior JavaScript Developer at SuperDial
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Environmental Science Intern at Kimley-Horn
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dayton just viewed Sr Renewal Analyst 1730 at MeridianLink
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Canton just viewed Communications Manager at Shearer's Foods
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed BDR Lead at Pontera
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Akron just viewed SDR Manager at Darktrace
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Health & Wellness Account Coordinator at PNOE
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Warehouse Associate - Third Shift at Babylist