Patent Agent needed for Palo Alto office

A law firm in Palo Alto, CA, is seeking a highly skilled Patent Agent with a strong technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in patent prosecution and will be adept at conducting prior art searches, analyzing patents, and preparing and prosecuting patent applications. The role requires excellent academic credentials and strong communication skills.

Duties:

• Conduct prior art searches and perform freedom to operate analyses to support patentability assessments and strategic decisions.
• Analyze patents and scientific literature to assist in patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling.
• Draft and file patent applications, including claims, specifications, and other required documents.
• Interface with clients to collect technical information and provide patent-related advice.
• Prepare responses to Office Actions and other correspondence from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients to develop and execute patent strategies.
• Stay current with advancements in patent law and relevant scientific fields.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Ph.D. or M.S. in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or a related technical field.
• Preferred technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Proven experience conducting prior art searches, analyzing patents, and reviewing scientific literature.
• Excellent academic record with outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Submission of graduate and undergraduate transcripts and a writing sample is required.

Education:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant technical field (e.g., cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy).

Certifications:

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills:

• Comprehensive technical knowledge in biological or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Proficiency in conducting prior art searches and freedom to operate analyses.
• Strong analytical skills for patent preparation and prosecution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Effective client and team collaboration skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities.

Attorneys from all backgrounds and experience levels comprise this international corporate law firm, which currently represents over a fifth of the Fortune 500 companies. This success stems from the firm's combination of client value and attorney reward, with a compensation structure that favors client objectives over hours billed and an environment of flexibility, skill development, and teamwork at its Orange Valley and Silicon Valley offices.