Role Overview for VP Patent Strategy & Portfolio Management – Boston, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, research-driven biopharmaceutical company in the heart of Boston’s vibrant life sciences hub to recruit a visionary Vice President of Patent Strategy & Portfolio Management. This is a rare executive leadership opportunity to shape the intellectual property landscape of an organization at the forefront of developing transformative therapies for patients with unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will be a strategic architect, a dynamic leader, and a trusted advisor responsible for conceiving, implementing, and defending a global patent strategy that safeguards our client’s innovation and fuels its long-term commercial success.
As the VP, you will report directly to the Chief Legal Officer and serve as a key member of the legal leadership team. You will have ultimate responsibility for the company’s worldwide patent portfolio, covering a diverse pipeline of small molecules, biologics, and cutting-edge therapeutic platforms. This role requires a unique blend of deep scientific understanding, sophisticated legal expertise, and sharp business acumen. You will be tasked with not only protecting existing assets but also proactively identifying future IP opportunities and mitigating potential risks. You will lead a dedicated team of IP professionals and collaborate extensively with cross-functional leaders in Research & Development, Business Development, Corporate Strategy, and Commercial departments to ensure the IP strategy is seamlessly integrated with and actively supports all facets of the business. This position is paramount to maintaining the company’s competitive advantage, enabling strategic partnerships, and ultimately, delivering value to shareholders and patients alike.
Key Responsibilities of VP Patent Strategy & Portfolio Management – Boston, MA
Strategic IP Leadership & Vision
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking global patent strategy that aligns with the company’s scientific direction, clinical development plans, and long-range corporate objectives.
- Serve as the primary IP advisor to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, providing clear, actionable counsel on complex patent matters, competitive intelligence, and IP-related risks and opportunities.
- Chair the company’s IP review committee, fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring timely and strategic decisions are made on invention disclosures, patent filings, and portfolio maintenance.
- Drive the strategic use of intellectual property to create and preserve value, including supporting fundraising, M&A due diligence, and negotiating licensing and collaboration agreements.
- Monitor and analyze evolving patent laws, regulations, and judicial precedents globally to anticipate changes and adapt the company’s strategy accordingly.
Global Portfolio Management & Prosecution
- Oversee the entire patent lifecycle, from invention harvesting and initial drafting to global prosecution, grant, and post-grant proceedings such as oppositions and appeals.
- Manage and optimize a multi-million dollar budget for internal and external patent-related expenses, ensuring efficient use of resources while maximizing portfolio strength and coverage.
- Direct the preparation and prosecution of patent applications worldwide, managing a network of high-quality outside counsel in the U.S. and key international jurisdictions to ensure consistency and excellence.
- Conduct and oversee freedom-to-operate (FTO), patentability, validity, and infringement analyses to guide R&D programs, product development, and business development initiatives.
- Implement and maintain state-of-the-art systems and processes for portfolio management, docketing, and IP data analytics to drive efficiency and strategic insights.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of patent attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture.
- Set clear goals and expectations for the IP team, providing regular feedback, coaching, and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and career growth.
- Recruit and retain top-tier IP talent, building a team with the requisite scientific and legal expertise to support the company’s diverse and expanding technology platforms.
- Champion intellectual property awareness and education throughout the organization, working closely with scientists and researchers to cultivate a strong understanding of the importance of IP.
Business Integration & Litigation Support
- Partner closely with the Business Development team on IP due diligence for in-licensing, out-licensing, M&A, and strategic collaboration opportunities.
- Collaborate with the litigation team to develop and execute patent enforcement and defense strategies, including managing patent litigation and other disputes as they arise.
- Provide critical IP support for regulatory filings and product lifecycle management, ensuring alignment between patent and regulatory exclusivities.
- Work with commercial and marketing teams to ensure that product launches and promotional activities are conducted in a manner that respects third-party IP rights and protects the company’s assets.
Requirements for the VP Patent Strategy & Portfolio Management – Boston, MA
Educational & Professional Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Admission to at least one U.S. state bar (in good standing).
- Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is mandatory.
- An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in a relevant life sciences discipline, such as Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field, is strongly required.
Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in patent law, with a significant focus on the biopharmaceutical industry.
- A combination of experience at a top-tier law firm and in-house within a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company is highly desirable.
- At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in managing and developing a team of IP professionals.
- Extensive, hands-on experience managing a global patent portfolio, including strategic prosecution, portfolio analysis, and budget management.
- Proven track record of providing strategic IP counsel to senior management and successfully navigating complex FTO, due diligence, and patent litigation matters.
- Deep experience in drafting and prosecuting patents related to biologics (e.g., antibodies, cell therapies) and/or small molecules.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific and legal concepts into clear business-oriented advice.
- Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring a team and influencing stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong business acumen and a deep understanding of the drug development and commercialization process.
- Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and sound judgment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive package.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs, and a flexible spending account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with support for continuing legal education (CLE), conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
Additional Perks
Commuter benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), life and disability insurance, and a dynamic and collaborative work environment in a state-of-the-art facility.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates and employees. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Intellectual Property Recruiters practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
