Patent Agent

A law firm seeks a Patent Agent to join its team in Columbia, SC. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex patent prosecution matters with a focus on mechanical, electrical engineering, and related technical fields. The ideal candidate will have 3-6 years of experience in patent prosecution, including application drafting, and will hold a technical degree in an engineering discipline or physics. The position requires strong communication skills, analytical ability, and registration with the USPTO.

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and other related technical areas.
• Collaborate with attorneys to develop strategies for patent prosecution and intellectual property protection.
• Conduct patentability searches and analyze existing patents to inform client decisions.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of Office Action responses, amendments, and appeals.
• Provide technical expertise and support in patent litigation matters when needed.
• Stay informed on evolving trends in patent law and related technical disciplines to provide up-to-date guidance.

Requirements

• 3-6 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a similar technical field.
• Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both legal and non-legal stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.

Certifications

• Registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills

• Expertise in drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the relevant technical areas.
• Knowledge of patent law, including prosecution processes and office actions.
• Proficiency in analyzing prior art and preparing patentability opinions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to assess complex technical and legal issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with clients and internal teams.
• Organizational skills to manage and prioritize a high volume of patent cases.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid Days Off (PDO) and vacation.
• Performance-based discretionary bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing legal education.

This rapidly growing firm has some serious chops with regards to the energy and natural resources, financial, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, retail, transportation, life sciences, communications, and health care sectors. Given the firm?s growth status, this firm promises multiple opportunities for associates to catch a wave and get in on the ground floor of something big.