Patent Prosecution & Litigation Associate

A law firm seeks an experienced Patent Prosecution & Litigation Associate to join its Reno office. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge patent matters, primarily in the fields of electrical engineering and software. The ideal candidate will have a background in IP law and a strong foundation in the technical aspects of patent law, including prosecution and litigation.

Duties:

• Draft and file patent applications, manage office actions and collaborate with clients to ensure proper intellectual property protection.
• Assist in litigation-related tasks, including the preparation of legal documents, supporting discovery, and participating in trial preparation.
• Provide legal counsel on patent portfolios, offering strategic guidance to clients regarding patent prosecution and enforcement.
• Work closely with engineering and technical teams to fully understand and articulate complex technological issues.
• Stay current on developments in relevant technologies, such as 5G, 6G, and wireless communications, to support clients’ patent needs.
• Conduct patentability assessments and patent searches to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws.

Requirements:

• 2 to 6 years of experience in patent prosecution and IP law, with a focus on patent drafting and client communication.
• Must be admitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Strong educational background in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience in wireless communication technologies or design engineering, particularly within chip manufacturing, is a plus.
• Licensed to practice law or eligible for licensure in the state of practice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Education:

• A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline is required.

Certifications:

• Must be registered with the USPTO.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills to clearly explain complex technical and legal concepts.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team setting.
• Expertise in patent law and the prosecution process.
• Familiarity with wireless communications, particularly 5G, 6G, and 3GPP standards, is an advantage.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and a 401(k) plan.
• Paid Days Off (PDO) and vacation time.
• Eligibility for a discretionary performance-based bonus.