The Intellectual Property Department works with a nationally respected and growing life sciences patent team.
The group supports sophisticated clients protecting innovations across pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech technologies.
The role involves drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications for small molecule pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, ag-bio treatments, formulations, and synthetic processes, including PCT and foreign filings in coordination with foreign associates.
Work includes conducting inventor interviews, preparing responses to Office Actions, participating in examiner interviews and appeals, and developing prosecution and global filing strategies aligned with clients' scientific, commercial, and competitive goals.
The associate will conduct and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity/invalidity, and non-infringement analyses, and provide transactional and diligence support by assessing patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions.
Collaboration is expected with in-house counsel, R&D scientists, and internal colleagues across the firm's IP, corporate, and litigation practices.
The firm's IP practice operates as a powerhouse boutique within a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, with over 125 dedicated IP attorneys and agents, recognized in Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and IP Stars. Its practitioners advise clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
An advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field is required (Ph.D. strongly preferred; M.S. with substantial relevant experience will be considered).
Preferred qualifications include familiarity with pharmaceutical life cycle management and the Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework, and experience in foreign prosecution, including EPO practice.
The role offers direct client and inventor engagement, allowing for early and growing responsibility and mentorship support to develop into a trusted advisor.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Life Science Patent Prosecution Associate

1-4 PQE · October 29, 2026 (Today)

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

1-4 PQE · October 29, 2026 (Today)

Employment type

Full-time

Practice area

Intellectual Property · Hatch Waxman · Life Sciences · Patent Prosecution

Location

Chicago

Overview

The Intellectual Property Department works with a nationally respected and growing life sciences patent team.
The group supports sophisticated clients protecting innovations across pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and ag-biotech technologies.
The role involves drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications for small molecule pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, ag-bio treatments, formulations, and synthetic processes, including PCT and foreign filings in coordination with foreign associates.
Work includes conducting inventor interviews, preparing responses to Office Actions, participating in examiner interviews and appeals, and developing prosecution and global filing strategies aligned with clients' scientific, commercial, and competitive goals.
The associate will conduct and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity/invalidity, and non-infringement analyses, and provide transactional and diligence support by assessing patent portfolios for financings, licensing, and M&A transactions.
Collaboration is expected with in-house counsel, R&D scientists, and internal colleagues across the firm's IP, corporate, and litigation practices.
The firm's IP practice operates as a powerhouse boutique within a full-service AmLaw 100 firm, with over 125 dedicated IP attorneys and agents, recognized in Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and IP Stars. Its practitioners advise clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
An advanced degree in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a closely related field is required (Ph.D. strongly preferred; M.S. with substantial relevant experience will be considered).
Preferred qualifications include familiarity with pharmaceutical life cycle management and the Hatch-Waxman/Orange Book framework, and experience in foreign prosecution, including EPO practice.
The role offers direct client and inventor engagement, allowing for early and growing responsibility and mentorship support to develop into a trusted advisor.

No recruiter found for Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Illinois

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Priya is awesome! She doesn’t just recruit for firms, she actually cares about her clients and their goals. I also love how organized she is and was very grateful she always kept me in the loop! I have already recommended Priya’s services to many of my friends and will continue to do so. Thanks for helping me land my new role, Priya!!

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Last updated: October 29, 2026

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