The Patent Agent is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of patent prosecution for technologies from the Life Sciences sector assigned to the university. Through collaboration with Business Development Managers (BDMs), inventors and external partners, the incumbent is responsible for conceiving and coordinating patenting strategies that align with the commercialization plan for each technology in the portfolio. The Patent Agent is also responsible for preparing and filing technical legal documents including patent applications and responses to office actions. The incumbent will provide effective decision making strategies regarding patenting, trade secrets, defensive publications, etc. The Patent Agent is responsible for the management of the patent budget and Intellectual Property aspects from over 100 ongoing license agreements as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences
• Registered Canadian Patent Agent
• Juris Doctorate and Registered Canadian and US Patent Agent is preferred
• Graduate Degree in Life Sciences is preferred

Experience

• 5 years’ law firm and/or in-house experience drafting and prosecuting both domestic and foreign patent applications
• Diverse Life Science patent experience preferred
• 10 years’ law firm and/or in-house experience drafting and prosecuting both domestic and foreign patent applications preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Keen understanding of the differences between domestic and foreign patent law in leading foreign jurisdictions including Canada, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Australia etc.
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of developments in patent law
• Ability to make high-level decisions and recommendations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Strong customer service skills to handle enquiries and resolve issues in a professional and timely manner
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities with an excellent command of the English language
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to growth and change
• A strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision
• Resourceful with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Results-oriented with an ability to handle many tasks and maintain a high level of individual and team performance

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please apply online at http://bit.ly/wd-patent-agent (reference #4702)