Mid-Level Product Design And User Interface / Patent Agent

Job Title: Mid-Level Product Design and User Interface / Patent Agent
Job Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Overview

A law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Mid-Level Product Design and User Interface / Patent Agent to join its intellectual property team in San Francisco. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patent preparation and prosecution, particularly in areas such as software, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), networking, and quantum technologies. The individual must possess both technical expertise and legal acumen to assist clients in protecting their innovations. This role offers a dynamic and challenging environment with growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications, with a focus on software-related technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, networking, and quantum technologies.
• Collaborate with clients, including inventors and engineers, to identify patentable inventions and provide strategic advice on intellectual property matters.
• Conduct patentability assessments, including prior art searches and analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of office action responses and appeals before the USPTO and international patent offices.
• Participate in patent portfolio management and strategy development.
• Work closely with product designers and engineers to ensure patents are aligned with business goals and technical developments.
• Support litigation teams with technical expertise in patent enforcement and defense.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, new patent laws, and changes to USPTO procedures to provide updated counsel to clients.
• Work in collaboration with cross-functional teams, including legal, product, and engineering teams, to provide product design and user interface-related patent advice.
• Review and contribute to invention disclosures and assist in identifying potential patentable innovations.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution within a law firm or corporate environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
• JD (Juris Doctor) degree.
• Admission to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Demonstrated experience with software, artificial intelligence, IoT, networking, and/or quantum technologies.
• Excellent legal writing and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant technical field (e.g., electrical engineering, computer science, or physics).
• Experience with product design, user interface patents, and technical documentation related to software and hardware design.
• Experience working with emerging technologies and innovative industries.
• Prior experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to quantum computing, machine learning, and related advanced technologies.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate technical and legal issues clearly and logically.
• Superb attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Client-facing skills and the ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Knowledge of global patent practices and procedures, including experience with international patent filings.

Certifications

• Active admission to the USPTO.
• Bar admission in at least one U.S. state is preferred.

Ranked as one of the Best Client Relationships firm and as one of the top Best Known Firms in the nation, the attorneys in this firm are invested in understanding their clients? businesses from all angels, including the risks, challenges, and issues affecting their industries. This AmLaw 100 firm values diversity and inclusion. Attorneys strive to build true partnerships with the firm?s clients. The firm invests in its associates by providing opportunities for professional development based on each person?s desired career path. The goal is to give each individual the opportunity to achieve their best and take pride in their performance and quality of work. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.