Life Sciences Patent Litigator

Patent Attorney

About the Practice

Patterson Belknap has litigated “bet-the-company” patent disputes for decades. Consistently ranked among the top firms for patent litigation by Chambers USA and named Law360’s “Intellectual Property Practice Group of the Year,” our attorneys bring a litigator’s mindset coupled with deep scientific and technical expertise – spanning chemistry, molecular and cell biology, clinical science, and more – to patent infringement litigation, PTAB proceedings, and other patent counseling matters. We regularly try cases in district courts nationwide as well as before the ITC, often through appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Our willingness to go to trial distinguishes us, and our generalists and registered patent attorneys work side-by-side on the most complex matters.

Key Responsibilities

Patent Litigation

• Pre-litigation diligence and case strategy development

• Pleadings & Motions: Drafting and filing

  • Complaints, answers, and counterclaims

  • Infringement and validity contentions

  • Motions, claim construction briefs, and expert reports

• Discovery & Depositions:

  • Document discovery and written discovery

  • Taking and defending fact witness and 30(b)(6) depositions

  • Identifying and working with expert witnessed

  • Taking and defending expert deposition

• Trial preparation

• IPR/PGR proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), including petitions, patent owner responses, and oral argument preparation

Required Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school

• Ph.D. in biological science (molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, or related field)

• Active admission to a State Bar in good standing (New York admission preferred; willingness to obtain NY admission required if not already held)

• Registration to practice before the USPTO (or eligibility to sit for the patent bar)

• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills; demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific concepts for lay judges and juries

• Strong analytical skills; ability to manage multiple matters independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Hatch-Waxman (ANDA) or BPCIA (biosimilar) litigation and/or PTAB experience in IPR/PGR proceedings

• Industry experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors

The expected salary range for this position is $225,000 - $390,000 per year, pro-rated for a reduced hours schedule, if applicable, plus competitive benefits and bonus eligibility.  Associate base compensation at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler is typically lock-step, based on experience.  

PBWT is an equal opportunity employer.

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If you have questions or encounter difficulties with the electronic applications, please email legalrecruiting@pbwt.com.