Patent Agent

A law firm is seeking a skilled Patent Agent to join their Houston, TX office. The successful candidate will have a strong technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences, extensive experience in patent prosecution, and a proven ability to conduct prior art searches and patent analyses. Excellent communication skills and a distinguished academic record are essential.

Duties:

• Perform thorough prior art searches to assess patentability and freedom to operate.
• Analyze patents and scientific literature to support patent preparation, prosecution, and legal counseling.
• Prepare, file, and manage patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Collaborate with attorneys to develop and implement patent strategies and address complex technical and legal issues.
• Provide technical expertise in biological or pharmaceutical sciences for patent-related matters.
• Review and interpret patent claims, technical documents, and scientific papers.
• Stay current with developments in patent law and advancements in relevant scientific fields.

Requirements:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ph.D. or M.S. in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, or a related technical field; or chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or an equivalent discipline.
• Preferred technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences.
• 5+ years of experience in patent prosecution.
• Broad technical knowledge with significant experience in conducting prior art searches and patent analysis.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant technical field such as cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent.

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex scientific and technical information.
• Proficiency in patent preparation, prosecution, and legal counseling.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.

Areas of specialization are corporate transaction and litigation law with a concentration on local business matters. A team of well-established attorneys comprise the Houston office. They're hands-on in many professional and community service activities throughout the year. There are thirteen areas of practice. A number of their practice disciplines consist of energy, oil-gas, real estate, intellectual property, technology, environmental, business litigation-appeals, and corporate securities.