Patent Agent

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a skilled and detail-oriented Patent Agent to work with clients on innovative and cutting-edge technologies to procure patent protection and build intellectual property (IP) portfolios. The ideal candidate will have experience in patent prosecution and a background in technical fields related to software development, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or semiconductor manufacturing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications on behalf of clients.
• Work with clients to procure patent protection and build IP portfolios.
• Provide support for due diligence, landscape analysis, freedom-to-operate analysis, and validity assessment.
• Draft responses to rejections from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other worldwide patent offices.
• Focus on patent filings and support patent litigation as required.
• Interact professionally with both internal and external clients at all levels.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a global professional team.
• Manage and pay close attention to details of projects.
• Establish and maintain internal practices, procedures, and technology for coordinating and streamlining patent-related information, filings, and deadlines.
• Demonstrate advanced writing skills with the ability to research information and communicate ideas.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with lawyers, firm management, staff, and clients verbally and in writing.
• Exhibit strong project management, organizational, and planning skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Adapt to changing work priorities, workflows, and assignments with flexibility.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings or weekends, as needed for projects.
• Provide diplomatic answers, pushback, or request further clarification when necessary.
• Think creatively and use good judgment and decision-making capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in patent prosecution.
• Industry experience (or equivalent) in software development/engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or semiconductor manufacturing & packaging is strongly preferred.
• Registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills

• Advanced writing and research skills.
• Strong project management, organizational, and planning abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Creative thinking and sound decision-making capabilities.

Job Location

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia-based law practice entered the legal market almost thirty years ago. The law office merged with a leading legal firm three years ago. Over sixty-five well-established attorneys are on staff. They concentrate mainly on federal regulatory law. A number of their practice disciplines consist of antitrust, U.S. trade regulation, international trade regulation, election law, litigation, corporate governance, and tax-estate planning. They are involved in varied philanthropic efforts such as pro-bono work. Attorneys have received top honors from major industry publications.