Patent Agent/Tech Advisor

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Patent Agent/Technical Advisor to join a busy patent counseling & prosecution practice. The ideal candidate will have substantive industry experience, at least one year of law firm experience, and a degree in material, chemical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering (or a related field). This role involves providing support in patent prosecution, counseling, and litigation across a wide range of technologies within chemical engineering, material science, and medtech.

Location:

• Chicago, IL

Duties:

• Conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Analyze patent and scientific papers/documents to assist patent attorneys in patent prosecution, counseling, and litigation.
• Draft patent applications and responses to office actions.
• Collaborate with patent attorneys to develop patent strategies and assist clients.
• Stay updated on advancements in mechanical and biomedical engineering, as well as related technologies.
• Work closely with attorneys, clients, and colleagues to manage patent portfolios.

Requirements:

• Minimum of one year of law firm experience in patent prosecution and counseling.
• Substantive industry experience in chemical engineering, material science, biomedical engineering, or related fields.
• Registered U.S. Patent Agent or eligibility to sit for the USPTO registration exam.
• Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and technical documents.
• Self-motivated, fast learner, and able to work well in a team environment.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in material science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• An advanced degree is a plus.

Certifications:

• U.S. Patent Agent registration or eligibility to sit for the USPTO registration exam.

Skills:

• Broad scientific knowledge in mechanical engineering and/or biomedical engineering.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Initiative and the ability to work independently.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health savings account (with applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, and pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, and short-term medical benefits.
• Generous vacation (4 weeks/year), sick leave (2 weeks/year), and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Paid parental leave and fertility benefits.
• Law school tuition assistance for Patent Agent candidates.
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability (LTD).
• Detailed benefits orientation for new employees.