Patent Agent or Technical Advisor

Houston office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks a patent agent or technical advisor with 1-4 years of prior patent prosecution experience. The candidate will perform highly complex and sensitive client work requiring a high level of professional capability and skill. Prepare draft patent applications, draft responses to communications from the USPTO, assist in diligence matters (clearance studies and opinion work), and support technical aspects of litigation where needed. Assist attorneys in the delivery of quality legal services to clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Prepare draft responses to communications from US and foreign patent offices with regard to factual and other scientific matters. Undertake continuing education and remain abreast of current patent prosecution issues and trends, as required to maintain appropriate accreditation in the field. Evaluate and report on the technological aspects of inventions and other scientific matters. Investigate general and specific technologies as needed. Discuss scientific aspects of inventions with clients and inventors. Identify and analyze complex patent issues and problems and implement solutions. Communicate with, and act as a liaison between inventors and the Patent and Trademark Office in connection with all aspects of the patent application process. Communicate face-to-face, by email, and by telephone with staff, clients, and PTO personnel. Interact professionally with clients, lawyers, and employees at all levels and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidentiality. Organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Stay abreast of technology trends and make recommendations regarding technology needs. Undertake continuing education and remain abreast of current patent prosecution issues and trends, as required to maintain appropriate accreditation in the field. Should have at least a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering with relevant research expertise OR a Master's degree or a Ph.D. in a similar chemistry-based field. Must be qualified to sit for the Patent Bar, and preferably Patent Agent candidates will already be licensed to practice before the USPTO.

The candidate must be a self-starter and have a can-do attitude, possess excellent organizational skills, and have excellent academic credentials. Should have the ability to analyze, interpret, and draw inferences from research findings and prepare reports. Strong investigative and problem-resolution skills are required. Must have knowledge of principles, procedures, and standards for drafting a range of complex patent documentation in the area of expertise. Knowledge of current and emerging developments and trends within the area of expertise is required. Advanced working knowledge of research principles, methods, techniques, and resources is essential. Should have knowledge of and use of time management software. Should also have knowledge of Outlook, Word, and Excel programs. Familiarity with prosecution docketing systems is needed. Advanced oral and written communication skills are required. Additional hours will be required when necessary to meet established deadlines or stay current with occasional peaks in workload. Should have flexibility in working overtime evenings and weekends as required by assigned or overflow work. This role may be hybrid and will require a minimum of three days per week present in the office, and up to two days per week may be performed remotely.

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.