Senior Counsel - Intellectual Property

About the Department 

The Legal department is comprised of our Legal and Patents functions. We depend on our legal team to help drive growth and maintain the highest level of standards and practices across all of our legal efforts. It’s a tall order, which is why we only hire those who thrive on protecting the interests of our patients, employees and business, all while creating and implementing efficient and innovative solutions. As part of the team, you’ll work with employees across the organization to oversee legal matters and provide guidance on strategies that drive business and policy priorities and shape the reputation of Novo Nordisk Inc. (NNI). At Novo Nordisk, your skills, dedication and ambition will help us change lives for the better. In exchange, we’ll offer you an opportunity to work with extraordinary talent and benefit from a range of possibilities for professional and personal development. Are you ready to realize your potential?

The Position

Handles complex intellectual property and related corporate and legal issues with minimal guidance. Identifies and aggressively pursues strategies and actions for global patent protection. Will assist with IP litigation and/or IP issues relating to major transactions. Typically advises SVPs, VPs, managers, associate directors and directors.

Relationships

Reports to Associate Vice President of Intellectual Property. Interacts with department colleagues and various departments within Novo Nordisk. Also interacts with government agencies, law firms, trade organizations, and other external agencies. Interacts with senior management at NNI, headquarters, and/or other affiliates as required to drive business and set strategy.

Essential Functions

• Advises clients on all intellectual property-related matters with minimal guidance. Advises on complex research collaborations, validity, infringements, freedom to operate, patentability opinions, keeping a close working relationship with research and commercial arms of the Company
• Participates in litigation and litigation preparedness activities
• Drafts, reviews and may negotiate license agreements that involve intellectual property, as well as confidentiality/material transfer agreements, consultant agreements, and cooperative research agreements as requested
• Performs other legal, administrative and corporate duties upon request

Physical Requirements

10-20% overnight travel required.

Qualifications

• A JD and science or engineering degree required; Licensed before a State Bar is required, registration before USPTO is preferred
• Minimum of four – six years patent attorney experience in patent litigation is required, preferably in private practice. Experience in licensing and patent prosecution is preferred but not required
• Effective time management skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with healthcare/pharma industry required
• Requires an understanding of the pharmaceutical business and company products
• Requires effective communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with other client groups within the company, including Headquarters and other affiliates as required

The base compensation range for this position is $152,700 to $267,300. Base compensation is determined based on a number of factors. This position is also eligible for a company bonus based on individual and company performance. Novo Nordisk offers long-term incentive compensation and or company vehicles depending on the position's level or other company factors.

Employees are also eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs including medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) savings plan; flexible spending accounts; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and voluntary benefits such as group legal, critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance and auto/home insurance. The Company also offers time off pursuant to its sick time policy, flex-able vacation policy, and parental leave policy.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.