Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.
Position Summary
The IP Paralegal / Global Filing position is responsible for managing and supporting patent prosecution processes both in the US and internationally with a focus on Global Filing. This role ensures timely and accurate filing of patent applications, monitors case progress, and maintains compliance with USPTO and global standards. Strong organizational, communication, and technical skills are essential, along with the ability to handle multiple projects and adapt to evolving procedures.
Responsibilities
• Strong knowledge of US and foreign patent procedures and timeline of patent prosecution deadlines
• Monitors progress of patent cases and patent attorney/agent dockets through use of USPTO Patent Center, IP Management Software, and Document Management System
• Demonstrated efficient workload prioritization including the ability to manage multiple heavy dockets, tasks, and email workload including outside counsel email review
• Reviews patent application files for compliance with USPTO requirements and BMS department standards, resolving discrepancies
• Strong knowledge and experience with the USPTO Patent Center filing system to draft and prepare patent legal documents for submission to the USPTO
• Completes notice of allowance checklists, prepares and files issue fee transmittals, and reviews and proofs issued patents and certificates of correction
• Prepares, sends, and tracks formal documents to inventors/clients for signature and files/records with the USPTO
• Identifies patent legal issues/problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures and suggests changes under patent practitioner guidance
• Independently drafts and assists attorneys with correspondence to worldwide foreign patent agents
• Familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 37) and the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) to identify legal issues/problems based on PTO procedures
• Assists with Patent Term Adjustment review and delivery of analysis summary to patent attorney/agent
• Provides backup and support to legal assistants and paralegals
• Strong oral, writing, and communication skills
• Ensures timely and accurate filing of patent applications in various countries and regions
• Adheres to relevant laws and regulations for each country
• Ensures compliance with internal policies, procedures, and best practices
• Implements quality control measures for accuracy and consistency in patent filings
• Prepares and manages audit reports for global filing due dates
• Assists the Global Filing Manager with capturing the department's global filing decisions in internal meetings with senior leadership
• Provides guidance, mentorship, and support to a team of global filing specialists
• Monitors procedures and collaboratively develops efficiencies in processes and workflows
• Identifies process issues and escalates appropriately
• Aligns with financial objectives by monitoring spend related to Global Foreign Filing costs
• Maintains strong organizational and follow-through skills under stressful situations
• Coordinates with international agencies, receiving offices, and foreign associates for filing various applications
• Responds to underlying application and procedural issues; proactively handles unique situations
• Acts as a resource to attorneys and staff on PCT regulation and compliance
• Maintains and monitors Global Filing Deadlines and corresponding actions handled by the Global Filing Team
• Possesses knowledge of U.S. and foreign rules related to Global Filing, including but not limited to the PCT, EPC, 37 C.F.R. Rules, and MPEP rules
• Prepares various documents required for Global Filings including Powers of Attorney, Assignments, Declarations, etc.
• Provides ad-hoc data reports related to Global Filing upon request
• Reviews and handles instruction letters, requests, and documents from foreign associates
• Coordinates authentication and legalization of documents with relevant agencies and consulates
Preferred Qualifications and Desired Experience
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, and MS Teams 35.
• Strong knowledge of IP Management Software and Document Management Software 36.
• Strong form editing capability in Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Proficient in the use of basic to advanced forms including IP Management Software generated forms
• Strong skills and experience with Patent-In software to generate sequence listings
• Expert knowledge of domestic and foreign patent databases, e.g., PCT Patent Scope; e-PCT, EPOLINE
• Proficient with reference management including searching, procurement of patent references (U.S. and Foreign patents, journal articles) and familiarity with reference linking within IP management software or document management system
• Docketing experience working in an IP Management software application
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, processes, and workflows
• Timely and efficient communicator with patent attorneys/agents, outside counsel firms, team members, cross-functional groups, and stakeholders
• Proactively manages casework and assignments, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner
• Bachelor's degree with 4 years of legal work experience, or 8+ years of work experience or 6+ years with a Paralegal certificate
• Experience working in a law firm, an in-house legal department, consulting firm, or comparable experience elsewhere
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently
If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect and may include the following: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision care. Wellbeing support such as the BMS Living Life Better program and employee assistance programs (EAP). Financial well-being resources and a 401(K). Financial protection benefits such as short- and long-term disability, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection and survivor support. Work-life programs include paid national holidays and optional holidays, Global Shutdown Days between Christmas and New Year’s holiday, up to 120 hours of paid vacation, up to two (2) paid days to volunteer, sick time off, and summer hours flexibility. Parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military leave. Family care services such as adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, fertility/infertility benefits, support for traveling mothers, and child, elder and pet care resources. Other perks like tuition reimbursement and a recognition program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
BMS cares about your well-being and the well-being of our staff, customers, patients, and communities. As a result, the Company strongly recommends that all employees be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and keep up to date with Covid-19 boosters.
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.