Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Houston, TX, seeks a highly skilled and motivated Patent Agent to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patent prosecution, particularly within the oil and gas industry, and be adept at handling various aspects of patent applications and prosecution before the USPTO. This role requires excellent analytical and communication skills, a solid technical background, and the ability to effectively manage a diverse patent docket.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Analyze scientific and technical documents, including prior patent art, to evaluate inventions and issued patents.
• Prepare detailed patent drafts that accurately describe inventions in precise legal terms.
• Prepare information disclosure statements, declarations, and other documents related to patent prosecution.
• Manage U.S. and international patent prosecution dockets, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Conduct interviews with USPTO examiners and address their inquiries.
• Stay current with developments in intellectual property law and practice.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in a law firm setting focused on the oil and gas industry.
• Experience in mining, industrial, chemical plants, or heavy equipment design is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to high-quality client service.

Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Excellent analytical skills for reviewing technical and legal documents.
• Strong communication skills for conducting examiner interviews and client interactions.
• Ability to manage a complex docket and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with the latest developments in intellectual property law.

Benefits Offered:

• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)
• Back-up Child/Elder Care and caregiving concierge services
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Profit Sharing
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance (Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
• Health Advocacy Services
• Paid Time Off (25-30 days per year)
• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which six are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)
• Student loan refinancing options and a student loan concierge service
• Paid Holidays (12)
• Addiction Resources
• Family Building Benefits
• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
• 529 Deductions
• Relocation Assistance
• Accident Insurance
• Employee Referral Program
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
• Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
• Bereavement Leave
• All other benefits required by law

A serious Big Law heavyweight with an especially solid reputation in the Pacific Northwest and the Mid-Atlantic regions, this firm excels in multiple arenas, from billion-dollar transactions to high-stakes litigation, and everything in between. These days, the firm is prioritizing international expansion, with offices opening across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia, in a move that is sure to bring more cross-border work and multinational clients. Known for its friendly culture, working at this firm means collaborating with brilliant minds and extraordinary individuals.