Electrical Engineering Patent Agent

A law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Electrical Engineering Patent Agent to join its Boston office. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field, and at least 1 year of experience working in a legal or in-house technical role supporting patent applications. This role involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting technical research, and working closely with a multidisciplinary team of patent agents, attorneys, and scientists. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for success in this position, as is the ability to navigate complex engineering concepts and legal processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to discoveries in electrical engineering
• Communicate regularly with internal teams and clients, including Patent Agents, Intellectual Property Attorneys, Scientists, Engineers, and Executives, to gather necessary technical information
• Conduct technical research in electrical engineering, including reviewing relevant literature, scholarly articles, publications, and existing patents
• Analyze engineering data, research methods, and conclusions to support patent applications
• Collaborate with legal professionals to provide detailed technical content that aids in drafting patent applications
• Prepare and contribute to written reports, patentability assessments, analytical summaries, and scientific-opinion documents
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of patent laws and legal processes related to electrical engineering innovations
• Participate in meetings with internal and client personnel to discuss technical details, strategies, and the progress of patent applications
• Provide technical support throughout the patent prosecution process, offering feedback and insights on engineering-related issues
• Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the firm, including developing materials that address complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Registration as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)
• 1 year of experience working in an in-house or legal environment, providing technical support for patent applications
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, particularly in the field of electrical engineering
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering concepts and ability to translate them into patent applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with intellectual property law and the patent prosecution process
• Experience collaborating with legal professionals and technical teams in a corporate or law firm setting
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex engineering literature and patents
• Knowledge of recent developments and innovations in electrical engineering

Education and Certifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field
• Registered as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex engineering concepts to legal and non-technical audiences
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing and drafting technical documents
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines
• Proficient in conducting technical research and analyzing scientific data
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in teams, including engineers, attorneys, and patent agents
• Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to stay current with new developments in electrical engineering and patent law

This large Boston firm has a surprisingly good government and regulatory practice, with the added bonus that their attorneys do not have to split their work with Washington DC lawyers in the same practice. This is a firm made up of well-rounded but most certainly well-pedigreed attorneys who come off unusually polished and professional. Associates here are generally quite satisfied, if not a little put off by what at times can be a bit of a competitive environment, both inside and outside the office. The strengths are that associates generally know whether they are 'on track' to make partner, and work in an environment that is designed with the appropriate mentoring and support staff to help associate development and training along.