Group Lead Intellectual Property Counsel

About the Role The Group Lead Intellectual Property Counsel will partner with cross-functional leaders to design, direct, and execute robust IP strategies that support Dr. Reddy’s mission of affordable, innovative healthcare in North America. This role guides patent litigation strategy across North America (small and large molecules) and oversees the full IP lifecycle from project identification to commercial launch, requiring strong leadership, technical insight, and strategic foresight. What You'll Do

• Define and execute long-term IP strategies to support business growth, competitive positioning, and risk mitigation.
• Manage a docket of North America patent litigation matters, including ANDA/ANDS, 505(b)(2), biosimilar, and other Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA litigations.
• Guide development and implementation of legal claims, defenses, and litigation strategies, including management of external counsel.
• Ensure freedom-to-operate (FTO) for Dr. Reddy’s products across APIs, synthetic routes, formulations, and polymorphs.
• Supervise and guide drafting, prosecution, and maintenance of patent applications in coordination with R&D and global teams.
• Lead IP due diligence for in-licensing, partnerships, and other strategic collaborations.
• Provide senior-level IP input to commercial teams to support portfolio shaping, launch planning, and deal evaluations.
• Act as a key partner to R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Portfolio, and Business Development teams to ensure alignment of IP strategy with scientific and business priorities.
• Counsel internal partners on regulatory and patent law matters, exclusive frameworks, litigation risks, and launch pathway scenarios. What We're Looking For
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school; licensed to practice in New Jersey or eligible for New Jersey in-house counsel license; USPTO registration strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s or higher in Science or Engineering; Chemistry/Biochemistry preferred; advanced degree (MS or PhD) highly desirable.
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical patent law with extensive Hatch-Waxman and BPCIA litigation experience.
• Prior experience leading teams or managing complex, multi-stakeholder IP programs.
• Demonstrated track record in developing and executing successful IP strategies in the generic, branded, or biosimilar pharmaceutical space; IP due diligence experience.
• Deep expertise in patent litigation, prosecution, regulatory exclusivities, and pharmaceutical law; IPR experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills; high degree of independence and professional judgment.
• Incumbent must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S. without visa transfer or sponsorship; willingness to work in person in Princeton, NJ. Nice to Have
• Advanced scientific degree (MS or PhD) highly desirable.
• IPR proceedings experience preferred. Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive total rewards package including base salary determined on the basis of role, experience, skill set and location.
• Eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.
• Benefits including comprehensive health care coverage, retirement savings plan and leave benefits.