Vice President, Assistant General Counsel, Intellectual Property

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.
 
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

Preferred location is Waltham, MA or San Diego, CA. Will consider remote candidates.

What You’ll Do:

The Vice President, Intellectual Property, reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, will develop and execute Kailera’s global IP strategy to support and protect the company’s pipeline and innovation. This leader will work closely with R&D, business development, and legal teams to safeguard IP rights, assess risks, and drive innovation capture. The role will include managing the company’s patent portfolio, advising on IP matters in transactions, and fostering a culture of creativity and compliance across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of a global IP strategy to support Kailera’s product pipeline, development strategy and lifecycle management.
• Manage the company’s patent portfolio, including prosecution, risk mitigation, and enforcement.
• Partner with R&D and business teams on patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP risks.
• Oversee IP aspects of business development transactions, including licensing, collaborations, and other partnerships.
• Lead initiatives to identify, capture, and protect innovations from research and development activities.
• Anticipate and manage IP disputes, including litigation and oppositions, with outside counsel.
• Engage, supervise and effectively manage outside counsel.
• Provide IP training and build a culture of innovation across the company.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of IP legal experience, including in-house at a biotech or pharmaceutical company.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, portfolios, and outside counsel.
• Strong knowledge of biopharma industry practices, including R&D, regulatory, and commercial aspects.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex matters clearly.
• Collaborative team player who can inspire trust and confidence across cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on practical, risk-informed legal advice in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• USPTO bar admission required. Advanced scientific degree (PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field).
• Experience in patent litigation, licensing, and complex transactions.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION: 

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

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