Patent Agent needed for Houston office

Job Overview:
A law firm is currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property team. This position will involve preparing draft patent applications and responses to communications from the USPTO. The individual will support attorneys in delivering efficient and cost-effective legal services to clients. The ideal candidate will have a background in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, along with excellent administrative skills and academic credentials. Experience with patent prosecution is preferred, but not required. This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a hybrid work option with the flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week.

Location:

• Houston, TX

Duties:

• Prepare draft patent applications, focusing on the scientific aspects of inventions.
• Draft responses to communications from U.S. and foreign patent offices on technical and factual matters.
• Communicate with clients and inventors about the scientific aspects of inventions and provide reports to attorneys.
• Act as a liaison between inventors and the Patent & Trademark Office throughout the patent application process.
• Evaluate and report on the technological aspects of inventions and provide advisory support to attorneys.
• Draft, organize, analyze, and summarize patent-related documents.
• Conduct regulatory and factual research and analyze client files.
• Coordinate with outside service providers to ensure timely workflow.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Identify and resolve complex patent issues and implement solutions.
• Provide guidance to legal support staff as necessary.
• Stay up to date with technology trends and recommend technological needs for the firm.
• Engage in continuing education to remain informed about patent prosecution trends.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering (preferred).
• Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (preferred).
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively.
• Expertise in drafting patent documentation in a specific technology area.
• Ability to handle confidential information and make independent judgments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends during peak workload periods.
• Ability to travel locally and out of town to meet client needs.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering (preferred).

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (preferred).

Skills:

• Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-resolution abilities.
• Proficient in various software applications and office equipment.
• Ability to maintain and organize recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and work collaboratively with teams.
• Knowledge of confidentiality issues and ethical responsibilities.
• Ability to use independent judgment in managing sensitive information.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Hybrid work environment (up to two days remote per week).
• Opportunities for career development and continuing education.

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.