Patent Agent at Elanco in greenfield, Indiana

Job Description:

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Patent Agent

Elanco Animal Health is seeking an experienced Patent Agent to join our Intellectual Property (“IP”) team.  This position will play a crucial role in supporting our innovative small and/or large molecule programs by providing expert patent prosecution and portfolio management services.  The successful candidate will have a strong scientific background, exceptional writing skills, and a passion for IP protection in the animal health industry.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with R&D scientists and technology leaders to identify patentable inventions and oversee the filing of high-quality patent applications covering small and large molecule innovations.




• Conduct prior art searches, landscape surveys, and patentability assessments to support the development of patent filing strategies.




• Manage patent prosecution activities, including overseeing the preparation of responses to office actions, preparing for and participating in examiner interviews, and navigating patent prosecution procedures to secure robust patent protection.




• Work closely with outside counsel to coordinate the filing and prosecution of patent applications domestically and globally, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.




• Assist in assessing freedom-to-operate (“FTO”) and conducting patent landscape analyses to support R&D decision-making and product development strategies.




• Provide intellectual property education and training to R&D teams, fostering a culture of innovation and IP awareness within the organization.




• Support intellectual property due diligence activities for in-licensing, out-licensing, and partnership opportunities, including conducting patent assessments and drafting IP-related agreements.




• Monitor competitor patent activity and industry trends to identify potential opportunities and risks for Elanco's intellectual property portfolio.




• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patent filings, prosecution status, and other intellectual property-related matters.




• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, regulatory affairs, and business development, to ensure alignment of IP strategies with overall business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or technical field, preferably in biology, chemistry, or a related discipline; an advanced degree (Ph.D., M.S.) is a plus.




• Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) or eligible and willing sit for the USPTO Patent Agent examination.




• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution and portfolio management, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.




• Monoclonal antibodies experience highly desired.




• Strong understanding of patent law and procedures, with experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the United States and overseeing international prosecution.




• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and legal concepts effectively.




• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.




• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Elanco Animal Health does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.

Additional Information:

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Greenfield, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

• Multiple relocation packages




• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)




• 8-week parental leave




• 9 Employee Resource Groups




• Annual bonus offering




• Flexible work arrangements




• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status