Job Description

Band

Level 3The IP Paralegal III will provide advanced intellectual property (IP) administrative and legal support, independently managing a broad range of patent prosecution and maintenance activities across U.S., European, international, and foreign jurisdictions. This person will be responsible for maintaining complex patent dockets, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of critical IP filings and processes. As a subject matter expert, the Paralegal III applies deep knowledge of IP law and best practices while driving continuous process improvements across the department. The role also serves as a mentor and trainer for team members on patent-related matters and leads operational initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and service excellence.

This role is based out of our La Jolla, San Diego office. You must attend the office 3x/week. Please only apply if this works for you.

Job Responsibilities:

• Filing of EP/US/international and foreign patent applications and related correspondence from filing to issuance of grant.
• Responsible for EP/US and international patent filings, patent nationalizations into foreign jurisdictions, as well as foreign filings under other conventions.
• Responsible for preparing all documents required in connection with EP, US, PCT and foreign applications; proactively initiates preparation of responses to official communications and notifications.
• Maintain and share advanced knowledge of latest patent rules and adapting practices to comply.
• Monitor and update electronic docket(s) for responsible attorney(s) and assigned paralegal tasks on a daily basis.
• Monitor all assigned cases and proactively ensure that all related deadlines are met in a timely manner.
• Independently review, maintain, and assist with attorney dockets and workload.
• Coordinate outsourcing, transfer in and transfer out of patent files and responsibilities efficiently, minimizing risk of loss of rights.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, inventors, foreign agents, and associates.
• Participate in patent group and cross-divisional meetings.
• Provide support in other operational areas (annuity, invoicing, data input) as needed.
• Undertake projects addressing global prosecution and operational issues.
• Lead development of procedures and processes and recommend efficiencies.

Desirable Requirements:

• Provides complex prosecution services in a timely, professional, and reliable manner.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of EP/US and PCT patent formalities and global requirements.
• Manages workload with high quality in a multifaceted environment.
• Demonstrates competency with patent databases and reporting tools.
• Works independently and meets deadlines in an electronic environment.
• Applies strong research, analytical, and decision-making skills with high attention to detail.
• Demonstrates strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Collaborates across divisions to ensure knowledge sharing and efficiency.
• Demonstrates leadership and ability to mentor other paralegals.
• Acts as a champion for the Operations team.

Essential Requirements:

• Paralegal/IP certification or equivalent experience
• University/college education preferred
• 7-10 years patent paralegal experience (law firm or corporate, international/foreign filing)
• Leadership potential

Benefits & Rewards

The salary for this position is expected to range between $119,700 and $222,300 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors. Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards. US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

Why Novartis: Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Join our Novartis Network: Not the right Novartis role for you? Sign up to our talent community to stay connected and learn about suitable career opportunities as soon as they come up: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network

Benefits and Rewards: Read our handbook to learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

Salary Range

$119,700.00 - $222,300.00

Skills Desired

Analytical Thinking, Brand Protection, Collaboration, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Microsoft Office, Team Player