Patent Attorney @ Inari Agriculture

About Inari...

Inari is the SEEDesign™ company. We embrace the diversity and complexity of nature in every aspect of our business to drive innovation – to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through our unrivaled technology platform, Inari uses predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to develop step-change products. We are taking a nature positive approach to unlock the full potential of seed that will transform the food system. The results will lead to more productive acres delivering value creation for farmers and a more sustainable future for our planet.

Our success is dependent on great minds, collaborating to generate bright ideas and deliver exceptional outcomes.

We have over 270 employees, with research sites in Cambridge, MA (USA) and Ghent (Belgium), as well as a product development site in West Lafayette, IN (USA). We’ve deliberately built a team that brings diversity of thought to all aspects of our business, to generate new ideas, approaches, and ways of operating. And we’ve intentionally combined experience with potential, bringing agriculture industry experts with the desire to innovate together with bright minds from academia, human therapeutics, software, and consulting. If you want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team developing unique solutions to feed the world while protecting our planet’s natural resources, we’d love to hear from you!

About the role…

Inari is seeking an outstanding patent attorney to strengthen our internal IP practice. You will work closely with Inari’s science and business teams to ensure freedom-to-operate for its procedures, technologies, and products and develop, grow, manage, and protect the company’s intellectual property portfolio for its innovative agricultural and science-based technologies and products. This is an extremely interactive role that requires excellent communication skills and the ability to provide pragmatic and business-savvy advice, identify innovations, and succinctly identify and communicate decisions to both scientific and executive teams. The position reports to the Assistant GC, IP

The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to execute and manage a global patent strategy for innovative clients while being equally hands-on and able to execute at a technical/tactical level; and has a plant sciences and/or agricultural industry background with deep experience in the development and protection of IP within this industry (biotech industry background with an interest to learn about the ag industry will be considered).

The position is ideally based in Inari’s premises in Cambridge, MA though West Lafayette, IN, can be considered.

As Intellectual Property Counsel, you will...

Develop, manage and execute a comprehensive and effective global IP strategy for Inari’s portfolio of products and technologies at all stages of research, development, or commercialization
Ensure freedom to operate and minimize exposure to third party IP, including establishing IP landscape and “white space” analysis in cooperation with the science team; providing and drafting opinions
Collaborate with scientific and technology teams to build strong patent portfolios around key assets to ensure a long-term competitive advantage
Lead IP due diligence, review, and participate in agreement drafting and negotiations, including in-house drafting of certain patent applications and efficient management of outside counsel
Provide general and directed IP counsel and education to Inari scientists and management while operationally supporting Inari’s corporate and business development efforts with regard to IP due diligence, competitive intelligence, IP in-licensing
Advise with regard to brand protection by working with stakeholders to implement trademark strategy
Protect patent applications and manage IP disputes, engaging external counsel if needed

You bring...

Juris Doctorate and an advanced degree in molecular biology or biochemistry or related scientific field (Ph.D. strongly preferred)
5+ years of patent experience including patent preparation and prosecution, IP landscape and FTO analysis, opinion work, strategic development with 5+ years of in-house IP experience, from within an Ag or Biotech/Pharma company
Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO)
Substantive transactional experience and litigation experience preferred
Extensive knowledge of patent law and procedure, incl. international and foreign patent prosecution
A flexible, agile, personable, team-oriented approach; an ability to think “out-of-the-box”, and operate in a fast-paced, early stage, small company environment
A proactive, collaborative business-partnering mindset
Proven ability to set and meet ambitious deadlines, handle numerous multifaceted legal issues and see projects through to conclusion
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with both scientists and management
Ability to distill complexity and to communicate decisively with sound judgment
Strong leadership and influencing ability at all levels of the organization and with all internal and external constituencies
Exceptional communication skills, oral and written; ability to convey a compelling story across any communication medium, especially when negotiating or defending IP matters
Curiosity; desire to continuously learn
Creative and strategic thinking, willingness to be bold
A collaborative approach, open to giving and receiving ideas, perspectives, and feedback

FOR U.S. CANDIDATES: Please note that we use the resume you submit with your application during our background check process. To ensure an efficient and accurate background verification, we kindly ask that you carefully review and accurately represent your work history, education and other relevant information on your resume. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies found during the background check may impact your candidacy for the position.

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth

Benefits