Senior Patent Counsel

Johnson & Johnson

Senior Patent Counsel developing and prosecuting biologics patent applications with Johnson & Johnson's Innovative Medicine team. Engaging stakeholders and supporting diverse therapeutic areas.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeSan Diego • California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $150,000 - $258,750 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drafting and prosecuting patent applications;
Advising the business on patent and regulatory exclusivity strategy;
Reviewing, drafting, and advising the business on IP-related contracts;
Partnering with the litigation department in patent-related litigations and disputes;
Conducting third-party and reverse patent due diligence;
Educating stakeholders on IP-related topics.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A J.D. or LL.M. with admission to and good standing with the bar of one state or the District of Columbia is required.
Admission to the USPTO is required.
Degree in molecular biology or related field.
Graduate degree (MS or PhD) is preferred.
Five or more years of experience drafting and prosecuting biologics (large molecule pharmaceuticals) patent applications at a law firm or legal department of a multinational corporation.
The following are not required, but would be an advantage: Experience in one or more of the following areas: patent due diligence; patent-related disputes; non-infringement opinions; advising on regulatory exclusivity strategies; or patent license drafting or counseling.
Ability to provide IP support for data/software related innovations, siRNA, small molecule pharmaceuticals, or drug/device combinations.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, employees are eligible for the following time off benefits:
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
10 days Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

drafting patent applicationsprosecuting patent applicationsIP-related contractspatent due diligencepatent litigationnon-infringement opinionsregulatory exclusivity strategiespatent license draftingbiologics patent applicationsdata/software IP support

Certifications

J.D.LL.M.admission to the baradmission to the USPTO