Patent Agent

A law firm in Troy, MI is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Patent Agent to join their team. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in the preparation and prosecution of chemistry or materials science-related patent applications. This role involves conducting patentability, state-of-the-art, infringement, and validity searches and analyses, and preparing patent opinions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications related to chemistry or materials science.
• Conduct patentability, state-of-the-art, infringement, and validity searches and analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive patent opinions and provide strategic advice on patent matters.
• Liaise with inventors and clients to understand and evaluate new inventions.
• Draft and file patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and communicate effectively with patent examiners.
• Collaborate with attorneys, scientists, and clients to develop robust patent strategies.
• Manage and monitor patent portfolios for various clients.
• Perform due diligence on intellectual property matters for transactions.
• Stay updated on current developments in patent law and relevant technologies.

Requirements

• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Extensive experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
• Proficiency in conducting patentability, state-of-the-art, infringement, and validity searches.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Science and Engineering.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) or equivalent experience in Materials Science is strongly preferred.

Certifications

• Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is mandatory.

Skills

• Deep understanding of how materials such as metals, polymers, catalytic materials, ceramics, liquid crystals, and composites are used in various applications (e.g., batteries, fuel cells, electronics, biotechnology, nanotechnology).
• Familiarity with modern processing and discovery principles (e.g., casting, additive manufacturing, coating, evaporation, plasma and radiation processing, artificial intelligence, and computer simulations).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in patent drafting and prosecution software/tools.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and concisely.

This firm has almost 40 years of experience and specializes in all aspects of intellectual property law. There are five law offices and a fairly large team of very skilled attorneys that comprise their legal practice. Patents, trademarks, trade dress and unfair competition are some of their areas of practice.