Director IP Litigation

We are seeking an experienced and strategic intellectual property litigation attorney who will be a member of the legal team responsible for global enforcement and freedom-to-operate litigation matters.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented and proactive litigation group.  The position reports to the Vice President of Global Intellectual Property Litigation. 

• →Set strategy for, manage, and provide advice to senior leadership and the business on pre-litigation, litigation, and various high-risk IP matters
• →Lead and manage outside counsel on intellectual property litigation from case inception through case closure, including establishing case and alternative dispute resolution strategies, providing internal guidance to business and relevant stakeholders and implementing litigation initiatives.
• →Investigate factual and other issues pertaining to intellectual property litigation matters, working closely with business units to defend our Company's and its intellectual property.
• →Perform risk assessments and determine when and how to resolve legal issues with input, as appropriate, from key legal and other stakeholders.
• →Establish and manage litigation budgets that align with interests of the business and maximize likelihood of successful outcome, working creatively with outside counsel to minimize costs and fees.
• →Work closely and collaboratively with others on the team, business clients, other members of the Office of General Counsel, and Global Communications to ensure litigation strategy comports with overall business objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline from an accredited institution
• Graduate of an accredited law school
• Five (5) or more years of legal experience in a firm and/or pharmaceutical corporate setting with some pharmaceutical intellectual property litigation experience.
• Member in good standing of a Bar of at least one state or the District of Columbia.
• Superior ability to analyze complex legal, business, and scientific issues; outstanding writing and communication skills; strong initiative and a proven ability to manage outside counsel effectively and efficiently, consistent with applicable budgets.
• Experience managing a significant workload with the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced and challenging environment, including as needed domestic and international travel.
• Willingness and ability to quickly become proficient in new areas of legal practice.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risks and exercise excellent legal judgment.
• Must be team-oriented and have a solution-oriented approach to legal issues.
• Maintain up-to-date understanding of intellectual property litigation and the law applicable to the same and proactively counsel the business on legal developments potentially effecting the Company’s legal and reputational status.
• Successful candidate will work in the Company’s Rahway, NJ office, with flexibility for some remote working.

• Advanced degree in the biological or chemical sciences
• Registered to practice before the USPTO

OGC2026

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The primary location for this posting is:

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.