Patent Agent

Job Title: Patent Agent (Mechanical, Materials Science, Electrical, Software)
Job Location: Saint Louis, MO

Job Overview:
A reputable law firm located in Saint Louis is seeking an experienced Patent Agent to join their Intellectual Property team. This role involves patent prosecution work across various industries such as industrial automation, medical devices, consumer products, and more. The firm represents global clients, and this position will handle the full spectrum of patent duties, including drafting applications, prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent filings, and conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications across various technologies.
• Coordinate with foreign associates and law firms to file patent applications globally.
• Communicate with clients regarding document legalization, deadlines, and patent filings.
• Assist clients in maintaining their patent portfolios and ensure timely filing of responses.
• Review and handle foreign filing requirements and obtain necessary licenses.
• Delegate tasks effectively to Paralegals or Legal Administrative Assistants.
• Ensure the accuracy of client patent portfolios and track key dates for deadlines.
• Anticipate the needs of supervising partners and clients and provide proactive support.
• Meet the annual billable hour target of 1650 hours.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Registration with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
• At least 3 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Proficiency in managing patent prosecution dockets.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners, paralegals, and docketing specialists.
• Prior experience in a law firm or corporate in-house IP department is essential.

Preferred Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Expertise in a broad range of technologies, including mechanical, electro-mechanical, and software.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant technical discipline.

Certifications:

• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office registration.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
• Ability to handle complex legal tasks with attention to detail.
• Highly motivated with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus structure based on billable hours.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan.

This firm is home to nearly 500 attorneys spread across 13 offices nationwide, an excellent size for associates and partners alike. The firm offers a full suite of practice areas and caters to businesses of many sizes and industries, with particularly strong litigation and corporate services. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, community involvement, and pro bono service, this is an excellent firm at which to work.