Patent Technical Specialist

A law firm in Washington, D.C., is seeking a Patent Technical Specialist to support patent research, application preparation, and prosecution activities. The role requires leveraging a strong scientific background to develop patent strategies and interface with attorneys and staff. Ideal candidates with advanced scientific degrees or relevant technical disciplines will have 0-3 years of patent experience.

Duties:

• Assist with patent research, application preparation, and submission.
• Interface with firm attorneys, staff, and administrative departments as necessary.
• Aid attorneys in conducting literature and patent searches.
• Support attorneys in reviewing file histories of patents.
• Analyze literature and patent databases to assess the patentability of inventions.
• Assist in the prosecution of patent applications under close attorney supervision.
• Prepare patent applications under close attorney guidance.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

Requirements:

• 0-3 years of patent experience.
• Post-doctoral or related experience preferred.
• Advanced scientific degree (M.S., Ph.D.) or Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Sound scientific and technical knowledge.
• Awareness of key sources for case law and argument preparation.
• Understanding of patent prosecution procedures.
• Familiarity with leading cases impacting patent law.
• Basic understanding of patentability requirements.
• Basic understanding of validity and infringement concepts.
• Awareness of procedural requirements and stages of the patent lifecycle.
• Basic understanding of patent application structure.
• Basic ability to apply rules and guidelines within the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure.
• Ability to conduct and evaluate basic patent and literature searches.
• Ability to prepare key facts and observations for responses and opinions.

Education:

• Advanced scientific degree (M.S., Ph.D.) or Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.

Certifications:

• None specified.

Skills:

• Proficient technical writing.
• Strong scientific and technical acumen.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to reviewing patents and literature.
• Ability to work under close attorney supervision.
• Proficiency in applying legal rules and guidelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

This global law firm provides a broad spectrum of legal services in cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Its key practice areas include community development finance, corporate and finance, healthcare, real estate, corporate law, and intellectual property. The firm has over 600 attorneys collaborating in various practice areas. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the firm has offices in 15 other locations, including Washington, District of Columbia, and Shanghai, China.