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Who are we, and what do we do?

Corteva Agriscience is the only major agriscience company in the world completely dedicated to agriculture. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Our inspiration is to be a market shaper, driving the next generation of agriculture products that help farms and farmers flourish and through partnering with society becoming the most trusted partner in the global agriculture and food community. 

Corteva Agriscience creates the world’s most recognized and premium agricultural solutions to address the greatest challenges in agriculture. With a focus on technology, Corteva Agriscience creates seed and crop protection products that increase productivity and profit for farmers while reducing risks to their business. Every day our digital tools deliver insights our global partners need to thrive now and into the future. As the world’s first dedicated agriculture start-up, we’re building a culture that stays curious, thinks differently, acts boldly and takes a stand on what’s right for our customers, our co-workers, our partners and our team-oriented environment.

Corteva Agriscience is hiring a Lead Counsel – Intellectual Property Litigation reporting to the Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Chief of Litigation. This position will be responsible for providing legal and strategic advice and counsel to internal clients and legal colleagues on a range of issues related to the protection of the Company’s Intellectual Property as well as managing outside counsel in litigation.

Primary Responsibilities - What you will do to help us grow!

• Proactively and strategically manage all aspects of intellectual property litigation as well as certain proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) including post grant reviews, inter partes reviews and others.
• Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of Corteva’s existing and pipeline products, technologies and business activities as well as the relevant external IP landscape.
• In collaboration with the Intellectual Property team, provide input on strategies for protecting the company’s intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
• Provide clear and actionable legal advice to a variety of stakeholders across the enterprise on a range of patent enforcement, due diligence, freedom-to-operate and other IP matters to including trade secrets and others.
• Assess intellectual property litigation risks and proactively develop and implement strategies to minimize exposure.
• Develop litigation budget and manage matters within budget.
• Prepare reports on status of litigation.
• Advise on company policies and strategies to protect our intellectual property including staying abreast on applicable laws and regulations, educating clients through regular communications, trainings, and other appropriate methods.
• Participate in and influence decision-making processes with clients and stakeholders.

What expertise have you grown - What you bring to the table!

• JD from an ABA accredited law school.
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in biotechnology field.
• Licensed to practice in a state and be in good standing with no disciplinary record.
• Admission to practice as a Patent Attorney before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• A minimum of 10 years of Intellectual Property Litigation experience.

The ideal candidate will have!

1. Significant experience with intellectual property litigation (preferably in the biotech industry) at all stages of litigation in court and in PTAB including:

• As first chair in IP related trials, claims construction hearings, arbitrations and/or arguing motions.
• Writing and filing briefs, motions and other filings in IP matters.
• Conducting fact investigations, taking and defending depositions, preparing discovery responses (including infringement contentions and invalidity contentions), managing document collection and negotiating protective orders and other related documents in IP matters.

2. Demonstrated ability to work independently to prioritize workload and priorities.

3. Demonstrated ability to be self-sufficient and work with limited secretarial support.

4. Excellent judgment and ability to quickly adapt in fast changing environment.

5. Excellent people skills, positive attitude and demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex legal issues verbally and in writing in a clear and understandable manner to all levels of the organization.

6. Deep knowledge of IP law.

7. Excellent judgment in assessing and communicating legal risks while also understanding and working collaboratively within the business strategy.

8. Impeccable integrity.

Benefits – How We’ll Support You:

• Numerous development opportunities offered to build your skills
• Be part of a company with a higher purpose and contribute to making the world a better place
• Health benefits for you and your family on your first day of employment
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays
• Excellent parental leave which includes a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father
• Future planning with our competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program
• Learn more about our total rewards package here –Corteva Benefits
• Check out life at Corteva! www.linkedin.com/company/corteva/life

Are you a good match? Apply today! We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team.