Patent Agent

A law firm in Dallas, TX is seeking a skilled and experienced Patent Agent to join their team. The ideal candidate will be a registered practitioner before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office with a strong technical background in the biological or pharmaceutical sciences. This individual will be responsible for managing patent prosecution, conducting prior art searches, and providing patent preparation and counseling.

Duties:

• Conduct thorough prior art searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses.
• Analyze patents, scientific papers, and technical literature to support patent preparation and prosecution.
• Prepare and file patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Assist in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, including responses to office actions and other correspondence.
• Collaborate with inventors and technical experts to gather necessary information for patent applications.
• Provide patent-related counseling and opinions on patent strategy, including infringement and validity assessments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical fields and patent law developments.
• Manage a docket of patent prosecution matters and ensure deadlines are met.
• Review and evaluate competitors' patents and scientific advancements to advise clients on IP strategy.

Requirements:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ph.D. or M.S. in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years of experience in patent prosecution.
• Strong technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences is preferred.
• Proven experience in conducting prior art searches and freedom to operate analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze patents and scientific papers to assist with patent preparation and prosecution.
• Excellent academic record and written and verbal communication skills.
• Graduate and undergraduate transcripts and a writing sample will be required.

Education:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant technical field (cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent).

Certifications:

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of patent prosecution processes and procedures.
• Proficient in conducting prior art searches and patentability analyses.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with patent databases and search tools.

Located in downtown Dallas, the largest branch of a significant Texas law firm has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the legal industry. Business and litigation services are offered to a varied spectrum of clients. This firm has a very solid reputation in the State of Texas and has a growing reputation around the country. The firm consistently scores very well on associate quality of life surveys, and many associates throughout Texas consider working at this firm to be an ultimate of sorts. We have a high degree of enthusiasm for this firm. Getting a position in this firm is no easy task, and the firm does fairly consistently look for top grades and credentials. Additionally, we believe that there is a high degree of diversity within this firm and that the firm makes a solid effort to foster diversity within the workplace. The old adage, No one ever got fired for choosing IBM could be reworded for this firm to state that No one ever made a serious career mistake going here. That is true. If you like challenging work and you want to be part of a powerful Texas firm with a lot of significant heritage in the State of Texas, this may be the place for you. Compensation at this firm is as high as any top Texas firm, and the partners are consistently some of the most highly compensated lawyers in the state.