Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney or Department Attorney

A law firm in San Francisco, CA, is seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney or Department Attorney with a background in drafting patent applications and prosecuting before the USPTO. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong academic credentials, exceptional judgment and communication skills, and a dedication to delivering excellent client services. USPTO admission and an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field are required.

Duties:

• Draft patent applications and oversee the prosecution process before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Conduct thorough prior art searches and analyze patentability.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients regarding patent portfolio management.
• Collaborate with inventors, clients, and colleagues to evaluate invention disclosures and formulate patent strategies.
• Respond promptly to office actions and liaise effectively with USPTO examiners.
• Review and interpret patent-related documents and correspondence.
• Stay abreast of developments in patent laws and regulations.

Requirements:

• Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or equivalent.
• 5-8 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a dynamic team.
• Dedication to providing exceptional client service.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or equivalent.

Certifications:

Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The San Francisco office of this mid-sized firm is engaged primarily in litigation and general business, although the firm boasts a solid regulatory and administrative law practice and a respectable labor/employment practice. The firm has a strong pro bono commitment; associates receive full billable hour credit for approved pro bono work, and overall, pro bono comprises 3-5% of all work. The billable hour target is 1850.