Technology Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Washington, DC, is seeking a Technology Patent Agent to play a key role in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and engaging in various practice development activities. The ideal candidate should have a background in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields and possess expertise in life sciences, particularly molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. This role requires the ability to analyze technical documents, draft patent applications, and navigate the intricacies of the patent process.

Duties:

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• Conduct prior art searches and perform patentability analysis.
• Engage in practice development activities to build and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare substantive client correspondence related to patent matters.
• Instruct local counsel for foreign filings and respond to Office Actions.
• Assist in patent clearance studies and other patent-related opinion projects.
• Apply advanced concepts in life sciences, with expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Study and analyze scientific or technical documents, including previously published patent documents, to assess patentability, novelty, and inventiveness.
• Draft new patent applications, convert provisional applications into utility applications, and handle foreign and U.S. application conversions.
• Bring technical expertise in display technologies (e.g., LCD, OLED) or rechargeable battery technologies (e.g., for electric vehicles), if available.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or graduate degree), preferably in electrical engineering, with consideration given to degrees in computer science, software engineering, or related fields.
• Experience in display technologies or rechargeable battery technologies is a plus.
• Experience in drafting patent applications and patent prosecution or examination at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is preferred.
• Eligibility to sit for the USPTO patent agent exam.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Eligibility to sit for the USPTO patent agent exam.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of patent law and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in life sciences, especially molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Technical proficiency in display technologies or rechargeable battery technologies is advantageous.
• Exceptional research and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and client relationship-building abilities.
• Proficient in drafting patent applications and prosecuting them.
• A detail-oriented and organized approach to work.

Job Location: Washington, DC

Benefits offered: The firm offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.

One of DC's most powerful firms is this one. Truly an international giant in every sense of the word, business and finance, M&A, labor law and litigation reign supreme here although the IP practice is coming into its own also. Like many other large firms attrition is high at times, but overall the associates here are well-credentialed and well paid. In DC, this firm's litigation section, especially with respect to technology and intellectual property disputes, tops the list in terms of prestige. However, this is one of the few firms that virtually guarantees great work and top-notch training, regardless of the practice area.