Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property

Provide counsel and support to all operating units to mitigate the business  risk of infringement;  as well as proactively  identify potential off-patent  opportunities  in both the domestic  and international markets. This role is responsible  for providing  leadership  within the department  and strategic advice to the organization on all Intellectual Property matters relating to a particular molecule project.   In addition, the Asistant General Counsel - IP Litigation  (AGC-IP) serves as the primary  Intellectual Property lead for one of the organization's product generating business units (such as Apobiologix).   

 The AGC-IP may also have direct reports including Patent Counsel, Senior Patent Counsel, Technical Specialists  and/or Law Clerks  for whom they will have day to day responsibility.

• Building strong relationships and aligning with the business objectives of R&D, RA, GAPI  the commercial business
• Primary Intellectual Property lead for one of the product generating business units,      including:
  • responsibility for preparing and overseeing the litigation budget for the business unit;
  • assisting and/or serving on the leadership committee for the business unit; 
  • formulating and advising on litigationstrategy; and iii) support for contract review.
• Ensuring effective leadership on all Intellectual Property matters relating to a project, including the development and implementation of litigation strategies and patent portfolio management.
• Assisting the Vice President, Global General Counsel and Head of Intellectual Property ("Global General Counsel")  with facilitating teamwork, a collaborative environment, communication and sharing of information and resources  within the department. Leading IP team meetings when the General Counsel is not able to attend.  
• Assisting the Global General Counsel with evaluation of the litigation strategies for products assigned to other members in the department. Accountability for external spend including matters assigned to other team members. 
• Evaluation and support of the organizations e-discovery process.
• Devising design-around, invalidity, and other Freedom to Operate (FTO) strategies, as well as advising the business on risk management.
• Assisting Apotex R&D and GAPI with initial patent clearances and identification of opportunities.
• Evaluation of external counsel competencies and responsible  for providing recommendations to the Global General Counsel regarding external counsel changes.
• Being aware of relevant legal developments and advising the Global General Counsel  of same as they impact the business.
• Litigation management, depending on the case, may be an additional duty, which may include liaising with external counsel, review of FTO opinions, working with experts, legal research, drafting internal and court documents, attend court.
• Assisting the Global General Counsel with the development of the litigation trade-off strategies that ensure global budget
• Participate and lead performance conversations with employees, including monthly one on ones, to connect on performance; check in on employee's progress  toward achieving Objectives, offer support and remove barriers; and, communicate and revisit performance  expectations to reinforce and encourage high performance culture and a safe working environment  for all employees.
• Utilize open, honest, two way communication to build trust-based relationships  with employees, business partners and direct leader while continuously  improving leadership capabilities by personally  seeking feedback and development.
• Create a culture which values trust and provides the opportunity for Employee development  and growth in pursuit of our purpose and demonstrating  our core Values: Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance and Passion.
• Utilize networks to attract and hire talent in a comprehensive, differentiated and consistent manner essential to our continued growth; then, onboard new employees  by providing a consistent experience  that reflects the values and commitments made to candidates during the hiring process.
• Ensure adherence of team members  (direct reports) with all compliance programs  and company policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Education
  • A law degree, as well as a degree in chemistry (or related pharmaceutical field, advanced degree is preferred).
  • Although not required, being registered with  an Intellectual Property  Office (e.g., USPTO,CIPO, or EPO) would be an asset.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience with regulatory monographs, compendia/USP, FDA/TPD guidance documents is  The focus of the position is on the legal issues surrounding  the development of a generic product from start to finish.
  • Experience in providing advice and counsel to multiple stakeholders, project management, and involvement in product design-around and invalidity
  • Preparing legal opinions of patent invalidity, non-infringement, and associated health regulatory Although this position does not involve patent application preparation or prosecution, experience  in having done this is helpful.
  • Capable of communicating effectively with scientific personnel and management and be able to translate ideas into detailed, well written memoranda and/or
  • Proven track record in the delivery of services related to Intellectual Property matters, have excellent comprehension of business fundamentals and principles, and must be able to adapt rapidly to a fast-paced, changing
  • Superb interpersonal skills, is bright, high energy, a team player, and has strong moral
  • Capable of withstanding tough business pressure for action without compromising legal objectivity, ethics, and
  • Creativity, out of the box ideas, and
  • Clearly demonstrate superior  leadership, organizational, and management skills while delivering results in Apotex's global business environment

• Experience
  • Minimum seven (7) years of experience as a practicing  attorney in patent landscape analyses, litigation managment, gained in the pharmaceutical industry or within a reputable law