Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Our location in Alameda, CA currently has an opportunity for a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property. 

Abbott Medical Devices is seeking a Senior Counsel for its Diabetes Care business.  The position will take a team-oriented approach to managing IP issues by partnering with the Diabetes Care business (“Operating Division”).  The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and directing a diversity of intellectual property issues within our Diabetes Care business. We are looking for an individual who aspires to make valuable IP contributions to the broader organization.

Technical Skills:

The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of patent law and have a history of success advising clients on intellectual property issues, building competitive IP portfolios, and clearing products in the Medical Devices or similar space.  A degree in chemistry or related field is a plus.  Relevant experience with software/digital products is a plus.  A working knowledge of patent law in major jurisdictions outside the U.S., experience with adversarial USPTO and/or European Patent Office proceedings, patent litigation experience and transactional experience are preferred.

Core job responsibilities include:

• In close collaboration with various levels of the Operating Division, strategically developing our worldwide patent portfolio, including directing and managing domestic and OUS outside counsel to prepare and prosecute patent applications that are aligned with strategic objectives;
• Review outside counsel work product to ensure the methodology, strategy and costs meet Abbott’s expectation;
• Manage and direct pipeline portfolio by soliciting/developing invention disclosures, conducting inventor interviews and presenting disclosures at cross functional patent committee meetings to align future filings with strategic direction;
• Conduct in-depth analyses of competitor products and IP portfolios;
• Conduct employee training on protecting Abbott innovations, developing intellectual property assets and best practices for maintaining confidential business information;
• Assist internal and external litigation counsel on IP litigation matters;
• Conduct due diligence on potential mergers, acquisitions and investment opportunities;
• Collaborate with commercial legal counsel, including preparing and reviewing license agreements, various standard agreements and counseling the Operating Division regarding IP transactional matters; and
• Provide advice and strategic options for marketing and promotional material.

Location of Position:

• Alameda, CA

Critical Success Factors:

• Sound Judgment: Understands how assigned responsibilities advance Abbott’s business objectives and is able to timely/appropriately elevate practical, risk-balanced, actionable advice, based upon    a broad understanding of the scope of an issue, taking full advantage of internal networks and external intelligence.
• Resourceful: Firm understanding of available legal, functional, and business resources and ability to integrate information from several sources to achieve business results, including breaking down boundaries to create alignment as necessary, in a complex, global, matrixed environment.
• Anticipation: Curious, big-picture thinker, who anticipates changes in law, enforcement, and/or business objectives and adapts approach as necessary to manage risks effectively and mitigate issues before they arise.
• Influencing Skills: Build strong relationships with business partners to tactfully influence and gain their support to drive desired outcomes.

Training/Experience Required:

• 7+ years of experience practicing patent law in a law firm or a corporation
• Ability to handle multiple projects in fast-paced environment and exercise sound commercial and legal judgment
• In addition to top-notch legal skills and excellent interpersonal, strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills
• JD from an accredited law school, admitted to and in good standing with (i) a U.S. state bar and (ii) the USPTO

About Abbott:

Employer of Choice:

Through numerous local, national and international accolades, Abbott is regarded as an employer of choice for our commitment to workplace excellence. Our employees are given the tools to succeed, lead and grow, with challenging opportunities and work that makes a difference. Through our diverse healthcare businesses, we connect people, experiences and growth in ways that no other company can. Discover a world of opportunities at Abbott.

Who We Are:

We are legal professionals and business partners, and we use our expertise and judgment to guide Abbott’s businesses through the challenges that come with operating in complex global environments.

What We Offer:

Abbott Legal provides meaningful and challenging work on a global scale. We are a dynamic organization who develops our employees to meet the evolving needs of the company.

How We Work:

We are collaborative, curious, and pragmatic. We value diversity of background, experience, and thought in our teams. We are expected to be holistic thinkers who see the big picture, and make thoughtful, informed decisions.

WHAT WE OFFER  

• At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer: 
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance  
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans  
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs 
• Paid time off  
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match 
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities 

Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully:

www.abbottbenefits.com  

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. 

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal. 

The base pay for this position is

$172,000.00 – $344,000.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Operations & Business Support

DIVISION:

GENC General Counsel

LOCATION:

United States > Alameda : 2701 Harbor Bay Parkway

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

Yes, 10 % of the Time

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.

     

EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf

     

EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf