Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Philadelphia, PA, is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Patent Agent to join its team. The ideal candidate will assist patent attorneys with preparing and prosecuting patent applications, work closely with inventors, and contribute to identifying and protecting patentable inventions. This role requires a strong background in science or engineering, excellent research and drafting skills, and a solid understanding of patent law.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist patent attorneys with the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
• Collaborate with inventors on newly created products to understand and document innovative aspects.
• Identify and evaluate patentable inventions by closely examining new technologies and ideas.
• Conduct thorough research on current technologies to ensure comprehensive support for clients’ patentable work.
• Draft patent applications, with guidance from the patent team, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
• Monitor and track the patent application process from initial submission to final granted patent, ensuring timely progress and adherence to deadlines.
• Perform regular ability searches to assess the patentability of inventions and identify potential obstacles.
• Address and resolve client challenges, providing timely and effective responses to client needs.
• Respond to office actions from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and correspond as needed.
• Maintain consistent billing practices to meet required billable hour targets.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering; Master’s or PhD is preferred.
• USPTO Registration is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in patent law; 2+ years of experience is preferred.
• Background in electrical engineering or biotechnology is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in patent law is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in conducting patent searches and drafting patent applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in documentation and correspondence.

Formed over a century ago, this firm has grown tremendously with offices throughout the country. Focusing on providing excellent client service, the firm embraces integrity, teamwork, entrepreneurship, investment, celebration, perspective, accomplishment, and inclusiveness. Many of the attorneys have been included in the lists of Chambers USA, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Rising Stars, and in the rank in U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Law Firms.