Patent Agent / Counsel

Olema Oncology is a cancer medicines company dedicated to impacting breast cancer and beyond. Our lead program, palazestrant (OP-1250), is a differentiated oral medicine known as a complete estrogen receptor antagonist (CERAN) initially in development for metastatic breast cancer. Our pipeline also includes OP-3136, a potent, selective oral inhibitor of the KAT6 pathway. At Olema, we are building a focused team committed to our mission with intention and clarity. Working alongside a talented passionate group of leaders and advisors, we strive to create better medicines that aim to help patients feel better, longer. For more information, visit us at www.olema.com.

About the Role >>> Patent Agent / Counsel

We are seeking a Patent Agent to join Olema’s Legal Department, reporting to the Chief Legal Officer. You will be an integral member of the Legal Department and will have the opportunity to operate independently in a dynamic environment to support the growing patents needs of Olema. You will work collaboratively with various teams across the organization, providing advice and service on patent/intellectual property matters to discovery, research and development, business development, and other client groups, as well as working directly with outside counsel in these areas. In this role, you will work closely with inventors, attorneys, and other professionals to help protect our organization's innovations by preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. You will also be responsible for conducting patent searches, assessing patentability, and offering strategic advice on IP-related matters. 
 
 This role is based out of our San Francisco office.  

Your work will primarily encompass: 

• Collaborate with Chief Legal Officer and Chief Discovery and Non-Clinical Development Officer to develop global intellectual property strategy.
• Identify inventions, prepare, draft and prosecute patent applications and work with scientists to obtain necessary information and data.
• Oversee outside IP counsel in the preparation, drafting and prosecution of patent applications.
• Provide strategic counsel on patent portfolio management, IP protection strategies, and risk mitigation.
• Advise on freedom to operate (FTO) patentability and invalidity searches and provides guidance to internal teams.
• Respond to office actions and communicate with patent examiners to ensure the successful prosecution of applications.
• Assist in drafting or reviewing intellectual property provisions of technology licenses, collaboration agreements, and other corporate legal documents.
• Assist with patent-related litigation, licensing, and due diligence activities.
• Stay up-to-date with developments in patent law and emerging technologies to provide informed advice to internal stakeholders.
• Exercises independent judgment over assigned IP matters, completes such tasks with minimum supervision. 

Ideal Candidate Profile >>>  

A love of challenging, important work. We are a pragmatic team, driven to imagine and develop meaningful therapies for improving lives. All employees within our company play a unique and crucial role in our success, both in accomplishing our mission and building a positive company culture. As such, we are looking for someone with the right combination of knowledge, experience, and attributes for this role. 

Knowledge: 

• Registration as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and in good standing to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.
• Strong understanding of patent law, including prosecution, patentability requirements, and related legal standards.
• Knowledge of patent litigation or licensing practices. 

Experience: 

• Advanced degree required: Master's in chemistry or related field with a minimum of 10 years related experience in biotech or life sciences industry, or;
• PhD in chemistry or related field with a minimum of 5 years related experience in biotech or life science industry.
• Proven experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Prior work experience in a law firm strongly preferred.
• J.D. for attorney applicant and membership in good standing of a state bar, preferably California is a plus.
• Experience with trademarks and trade secrets is a plus. 

Attributes: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Identifies and implements methods and procedures to achieve results.
• Applies strong analytical and business communication skills, including ability to integrate legal and business knowledge and to provide balanced advice.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The base pay range for this position is expected to be $218,000 - $245,000 annually, however the base pay offered may vary depending on location, market, job related knowledge, skills and capabilities, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes equity, bonus, and benefits.

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Important Information >>>

We provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and believe that great ideas and discoveries come from a mix of expertise, background, and experience. Olema is building a culture where the value of difference is celebrated.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, seeking to provide an open, flexible, and friendly work environment to empower employees and provide them with a platform to develop their long-term careers. A Summary of Benefits is available for all applicants.

Please note: Olema doesn’t accept agency resumes and is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. Thank you.

Additional Note/Fraud Alert:  Olema will not conduct interviews via text message or messaging platforms and will not ask you to download anything as part of your interview.  Though we use third party tools to help with advertising our jobs, please be vigilant in checking that the communication is in fact coming from Olema.