Patent Prosecution Agent

A law firm is seeking a talented Patent Prosecution Agent to join its Intellectual Property (IP) practice in Los Angeles, CA. The position involves the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, advising on IP strategy, and managing portfolios for clients in the life sciences or medical fields. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D.-level education in life sciences or medicine, 2-20 years of experience, and strong writing and analytical abilities. USPTO registration is required. The role offers a competitive compensation package with benefits and bonuses based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Patent Preparation & Prosecution
  • Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications, particularly in the life sciences and medical fields.
  • Handle all aspects of patent prosecution before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including drafting responses to office actions and conducting examiner interviews.
  • Collaborate with inventors to accurately draft patent claims that reflect the innovation and meet all patentability requirements.
  • Assist in the management of both domestic and international patent prosecution, working with foreign counsel when required.
• IP Strategy & Portfolio Management
  • Develop and implement intellectual property strategies for clients in life sciences, aimed at maximizing the value and protection of their innovations.
  • Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and due diligence analyses.
  • Manage and optimize client patent portfolios to ensure comprehensive protection of key technologies and innovations.
  • Advise clients on risk assessment, patent acquisitions, and licensing opportunities in the context of broader business strategies.
• Client Communication & Relationship Management
  • Maintain proactive communication with clients, keeping them informed of the status of their patent applications and portfolio management.
  • Provide expert legal advice on patent-related matters, ensuring clients understand potential risks and opportunities related to their intellectual property.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, establishing trust and providing long-term IP solutions.
• Legal Research & Documentation
  • Stay updated on new developments in patent law and life sciences technologies, applying this knowledge to enhance prosecution strategies.
  • Prepare and review legal documents, including patent applications, opinion letters, and responses to USPTO actions.
  • Conduct research on legal precedents, emerging patent trends, and new innovations in relevant fields to enhance patent protection strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Education
  • Ph.D. in Life Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, or a closely related field.
  • Strong academic credentials, with a demonstrated understanding of life sciences and medical technologies.
• Certifications & Licenses
  • USPTO Registration is required.
  • Admission to a state bar (optional but preferred).
• Experience
  • 2-20 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, ideally with a focus on life sciences and medical technologies.
  • Proven experience in managing IP portfolios and providing strategic IP counsel to clients.
  • Demonstrated success in communicating complex patent matters to clients and inventors.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional writing and analytical skills, particularly in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client interaction and team collaboration.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational abilities, capable of managing multiple cases simultaneously in a fast-paced legal environment.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, maintaining high-quality work under tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency in patent-related research and familiarity with patent database tools.

Benefits

• Compensation & Incentives
  • Competitive salary with a discretionary performance-based bonus.
  • Overtime pay when applicable.
• Health & Welfare
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement & Financial Security
  • Firm contributions to retirement plans, including 401(k) options.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
  • Paid holidays and a generous PTO policy to support work-life balance.

Since three decades ago, this law firm has provided exceptional legal advice. Their areas of practice include intellectual property, regulatory, tax, international, business, and finance. their offices are located in California, DC, Colorado, and Virginia.