Our client, one of the world’s leading producers of key Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and generic formulations, is seeking a highly skilled Legal Patent Counsel to join their team. As Counsel – IP & Legal, you will provide strategic counsel and guidance on intellectual property (IP), non-IP litigations, and investigations for our client’s pharmaceutical business. This position will be based in Harrow, England, and will report to the Head – IP, Portfolio & Business Development in India.

About Job

• Handle and manage legal issues related to a generic pharmaceutical company, including responding to Warning Letters, Brand Vs Generic Patent Infringement & Revocation Actions, and Opposition Proceedings at the European Patent Office (EPO).
• Select and manage external law firms, oversee pre-litigation work and assessment, develop litigation strategies, manage litigation budgets, and negotiate settlement agreements with plaintiffs.
• Provide guidance to senior management regarding IP scenarios, ongoing litigation, injunctions, and launch-at-risk situations related to the company’s product launches in the UK and EU.
• Offer counsel to the business development teams on in-licensing and out-licensing of dossiers. Collaborate with partners to resolve IP queries associated with licensing and assist the business team in drafting and reviewing licensing agreements.
• Collaborate closely with the India IP Team to draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with the EPO, ensuring the protection of the company’s innovations developed by the Research & Development scientists.
• Benefit from the support of a highly experienced team of IP professionals in India who possess significant expertise in handling patent issues within the EU.

Candidate Prerequisites

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in pharma/biotech IP transactions, either in-house or at a law firm.
• A Law degree from an internationally or nationally recognized university, along with active registration and admission to practice as an EU Attorney.
• Extensive experience in drafting and reviewing pleadings, briefs, overseeing trial preparations, and handling appeals.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight and provide outstanding legal services to senior executives.
• Self-starter with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously, exhibit a positive attitude, possess high emotional intelligence, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Work Authorization: Candidate should be authorized to work in the UK
• Work Location: Harrow, UK