Junior To Mid-Level Product Design And User Interface Patent Associate Attorney

Job Title: Junior To Mid-Level Product Design And User Interface Patent Associate Attorney
Job Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Overview:

A law firm is seeking a Junior To Mid-Level Product Design And User Interface Patent Associate Attorney to join its team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patent preparation and prosecution, particularly in cutting-edge technologies such as software, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. This role is crucial for handling complex patent portfolios and advising clients on intellectual property strategies across emerging technologies. The attorney will work closely with engineering teams, clients, and stakeholders to ensure the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, prepare, and prosecute patent applications in various high-tech fields, including software, AI, IOT, networking, and quantum technologies.
• Conduct comprehensive patent searches, including prior art searches, to evaluate the patentability of innovations.
• Provide strategic counsel to clients on patent portfolio management and intellectual property strategies.
• Collaborate with clients and engineering teams to understand technical innovations and translate them into strong patent applications.
• Analyze and review patent examiner reports, and effectively communicate with patent examiners to advance applications.
• Handle post-grant proceedings and other patent litigation support activities as needed.
• Conduct IP due diligence in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions.
• Stay current with evolving technologies and legal developments in the field of patents, especially in product design and user interface technologies.
• Draft legal opinions on issues such as patent infringement, freedom to operate, and patentability.
• Assist in developing and implementing intellectual property strategies for clients across a broad range of industries.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant patent preparation and prosecution experience in a law firm or corporate setting.
• Strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or computer science.
• Expertise in software-related technologies, AI-related technologies, IOT, networking technologies, and/or quantum technologies.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor or advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.

Certifications:

• Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Admission to the California Bar or eligibility to practice under California’s in-house counsel rules is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong technical aptitude, with the ability to grasp and translate complex technical concepts into clear legal writing.
• Proficiency in drafting patent applications and other related legal documents.
• Familiarity with patent laws, regulations, and prosecution procedures, particularly in the U.S. and international patent systems.
• Excellent client management skills, with the ability to provide strategic advice to clients on intellectual property matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines while maintaining high-quality work.

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.