European Patent Attorney M/WIPSEN

Reporting to the Senior Director, Intellectual Property, the European Patent Attorney will be an integral business partner to Ipsen's research and development organization and strategic business units. The successful candidate will build value by developing and executing intellectual property strategies that protect and enhance Ipsen's innovation pipeline and marketed products.

This position involves leading the management of multi-faceted patent portfolios, coordinating external counsel, and serving as a key interface with business leaders on strategic IP matters. This role requires strong collaboration across scientific, legal, and commercial teams, as well as the ability to provide proactive, pragmatic, and business-oriented IP advice in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global patent strategies for commercial products, development candidates (pre- and post-proof of concept), and internal and/or in-licensed research programs.
• Prepare and prosecute patent applications, including supervision and management of outside counsel.
• Monitor and analyze competitive IP landscapes; conduct patentability, inventorship, and freedom-to-operate analyses and render opinions.
• In consultation with the Senior Director, IP, direct external counsel in opinion work, oppositions, and other adversarial proceedings.
• Serve as the IP representative on cross-functional asset teams and alliance/collaboration teams, providing strategic IP advice to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Regulatory and Commercial teams globally and locally to maximize product exclusivity and ensure compliance with patent listing regulations.
• Lead and conduct IP due diligence in support of business development activities, including licensing and acquisition opportunities.
• Review and assist in negotiating IP provisions in agreements (e.g., license, collaboration, and research agreements).
• Review and advise on IP aspects of scientific publications.
• Contribute to internal IP training programs and promote IP awareness across the organization.

Profile

• European Patent Attorney (EPO-qualified).
• Minimum of 5 years of patent law experience, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry; prior experience in an IP law firm required.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline; PhD preferred.
• Strong scientific understanding of drug compound chemistry/biochemistry and the drug development and approval process.
• Comprehensive knowledge of intellectual property laws, precedents, and IP office regulations.
• Fluency in English & French is required