Senior Counsel, Head of IP Policy & Advocacy

Role Summary

Head of IP Policy & Advocacy at Amgen, responsible for setting and executing a cohesive IP policy strategy that safeguards Amgen’s intellectual assets, supports long-term scientific investment, and promotes balanced systems that foster both innovation and patient access worldwide. The role requires shaping external narratives around intellectual property rights, rebutting misinformation that threatens innovation incentives and the integrity of the IP system, identifying new IP policy risks and opportunities, and advising Amgen’s senior leadership.

Internally, the role drives cross-functional and cross-regional coordination on advocacy, leads the IP Policy Team, and collaborates with Government Affairs, Legal, Regulatory, Commercial, Litigation, and other colleagues to manage IP policy risks across jurisdictions. This is a remote position, with a preference for someone on the East Coast, ideally in the Washington, DC area.

• Set and execute a cohesive IP policy strategy that safeguards Amgen’s intellectual assets, supports long-term scientific investment, and promotes balanced systems that foster both innovation and patient access worldwide.
• Shape external narratives around intellectual property rights, rebut misinformation that threatens innovation incentives and the integrity of the IP system, identify new IP policy risks and opportunities, and advise Amgen’s senior leadership team.
• Serve as Amgen’s IP policy advocate with policymakers, regulators, and other external stakeholders; actively engage with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office leadership, Congress, trade associations, academic experts, and think tanks to influence legislation, rule making, and guidance affecting intellectual property rights.
• Coordinate amicus efforts in support of significant patent litigation; serve as a speaker or panelist at trade organization meetings; facilitate writing and publication of papers advocating Amgen positions.
• Drive cross-functional and cross-regional coordination on advocacy efforts; support responsible collaborations and licensing; promote education and alignment on IP policy issues; lead the IP Policy Team and work with Government Affairs, Legal, Regulatory, Commercial, Litigation, and other colleagues to identify and manage IP policy risks across jurisdictions and keep senior leaders informed.

• Required:
  
  J.D. degree or LL.M. from an accredited law school, admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction, and four (4) years of experience practicing Intellectual Property law.
• Preferred:
  Ten (10) or more years of experience practicing Intellectual Property law.
• Preferred:
  Background in patent prosecution or patent litigation with connecting IP policy work.
• Preferred:
  Involvement in trade organizations and/or patent associations.
• Preferred:
  Excellent analytic, legal drafting and oral and written communication skills.
• Preferred:
  Strong management and leadership skills as well as a strong client service focus and the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Preferred:
  Ability to think creatively and devise practical solutions to challenging problems.
• Preferred:
  Ability to work efficiently, to prioritize workflow, to meet demanding deadlines, and to manage multi-dimensional projects in a fast-paced environment.