Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

Job Title: Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney – Japanese Language Fluency Required
Job Location: Menlo Park, CA

Job Overview
A prestigious law firm, located in Menlo Park, CA, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney fluent in both Japanese and English. The successful candidate will have direct experience handling U.S. patent applications, particularly in the areas of electronics and software, and will collaborate with the firm’s Tokyo office. This position demands strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Duties

• Draft, file, and prosecute U.S. patent applications, specifically in the fields of electronics, software, and related technologies.
• Work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop tailored strategies for patent protection.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Tokyo office and engage in cross-border communication regarding patent filings.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Guide patent portfolio development and management.
• Assist with patent litigation and other related intellectual property matters as needed.
• Stay current on changes in patent law, technology, and industry standards.

Requirements

• Fluency in Japanese and English (both written and verbal) is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct experience in patent prosecution.
• Knowledge of U.S. patent application processes and procedures, including preparation and prosecution.
• Experience in electronics, software, or related technical fields.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team.

Education

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Certifications

• USPTO Registered Patent Attorney (or eligibility for registration) is required.

Skills

• Strong technical aptitude and familiarity with patent law.
• Proficient in both English and Japanese, with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues in both languages.
• Skilled in drafting patent applications, office action responses, and other legal documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and internal teams.

Job Location

• Menlo Park, CA

This Amlaw firm specializes in intellectual property and is committed to providing its associates with both a positive work environment and sophisticated work. Flexible scheduling and pro-bono work are aspects highly valued by the firm. This firm has also obtained its second perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index as Best Place to Work for LGBT equality.