Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property

Position Summary:

The Vice President, Head of Intellectual Property will lead our intellectual property (IP) function globally, including patent strategy as well as trademark protection. This individual will serve as the company’s subject matter expert on IP matters, and work closely with our research, development and technical operations colleagues to ensure patentable inventions are captured and protected. The ideal candidate will be strategic and seasoned with hand’s-on in-house biotech experience preferably in both biologics and small molecules. This position will report to the Chief Legal Officer and be based in our Waltham, MA headquarters location.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the development and execution of a global IP strategy for a portfolio of antibodies and small molecules designed for patients with autoimmune diseases, from early research to clinical to commercial stage, and ranging from initial composition of matter to formulation/CMC to lifecycle management
• Build, manage, expand, and optimize our portfolio across patent types, including composition of matter, method of treatment, formulation, dosing, manufacturing, and biomarker claims
• Serve as the patent advisor to the organization as we transition from a clinical-stage biotech to a commercial company, ensuring IP goals are met within timeline and quality standards
• Collaborate closely with our R&D, clinical, and manufacturing teams to identify and capture inventions in a timely and comprehensive manner; advise on IP implications of development activities and decisions; support publication and data generation strategies
• Oversee outside counsel managing our global patent portfolio and supervise the prosecution of patent applications in the US and globally
• Work with our in-license and out-license partners as applicable, to ensure global protection and coordination
• Create and implement comprehensive patent lifecycle strategies across the pipeline; including developing effective secondary IP filing strategy to extend and strengthen exclusivity
• Oversee all regulatory exclusivity matters, including potential listings (e.g. FDA Orange and Purple Book) and the interplay between regulatory and patent protections
• Lead IP due diligence in connection with business development and licensing activities, including evaluation of IP assets such as exclusivity, patentability, validity, and enforceability and assessing freedom-to-operate risk
• Draft and negotiate IP-related provisions in research collaborations, license agreements, material transfer agreements (MTAs), and other commercial contracts
• Monitor the competitive patent landscape for potential risks and opportunities; advise leadership team and the Board on relevant updates and related strategies
• Protect our brands by managing trademark portfolios as well as outside trademark counsel, working with our corporate and commercial teams and other stakeholders
• Manage and protect the company's trade secrets, know-how, and proprietary information and implement procedures for trade secret protection
• Develop and maintain IP policies and procedures, including invention disclosure, record-keeping, and outside counsel management protocols
• Manage IP budget, including outside counsel spend, annuity and maintenance fees
• Educate and train internal stakeholders on IP strategy, policies, invention disclosure processes, and best practices for protecting confidential information

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, chemistry, or a related field); advanced degree strongly preferred
• J.D., active USPTO registration (patent bar), and bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; current license to practice in Massachusetts preferred
• 8-13 years of patent law experience, with meaningful life sciences exposure (in-house or at a law firm) and direct experience with antibody and/or small molecule patents; experience in-house biotechnology or pharmaceutical company experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing a complex, global patent portfolio and overseeing prosecution through outside counsel
• Solid understanding of Hatch-Waxman and/or BPCIA regulatory frameworks and related patent litigation
• Familiarity with Orange and Purple Book listing requirements and regulatory (data) exclusivity mechanisms
• Experience conducting or overseeing IP due diligence, including FTOs or similar analyses
• Strong scientific curiosity and acumen, and the ability to engage credibly with research and clinical teams
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly to a diverse set of audiences ranging from junior employees to senior executives to the board of directors
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to think creatively and develop innovative IP strategies; adaptability and nimbleness in a fast-moving environment
• Comfortable working in a demanding, fast-paced, start-up culture with evolving processes. Flexible and able to adapt to new situations as the business demands.

#LI-Hybrid

The position is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Zenas is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $283,200 to $354,000.  Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.

Zenas believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Zenas’ competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, equity, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans.