Patent Technical Specialist

A San Francisco, CA, law firm seeks a Patent Technical Specialist to support patent research, application preparation, and prosecution activities. The role requires a strong scientific background to develop patent strategies and collaborate with attorneys and staff. Ideal candidates with advanced scientific degrees or relevant technical disciplines will have 0-3 years of patent experience.

Duties:

• Assist with patent research, application preparation, and submission.
• Interface with firm attorneys, staff, and administrative departments as necessary.
• Aid attorneys in conducting literature and patent searches.
• Support attorneys in reviewing file histories of patents.
• Analyze literature and patent databases to assess the patentability of inventions.
• Assist in the prosecution of patent applications under close attorney supervision.
• Prepare patent applications under close attorney guidance.
• Perform other assigned duties as required.

Requirements:

• 0-3 years of patent experience.
• Post-doctoral or related experience preferred.
• Advanced scientific degree (M.S., Ph.D.) or Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Sound scientific and technical knowledge.
• Awareness of key sources for case law and argument preparation.
• Understanding of patent prosecution procedures.
• Familiarity with leading cases impacting patent law.
• Basic understanding of patentability requirements.
• Basic understanding of validity and infringement concepts.
• Awareness of procedural requirements and stages of the patent lifecycle.
• Basic understanding of patent application structure.
• Basic ability to apply rules and guidelines within the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure.
• Ability to conduct and evaluate basic patent and literature searches.
• Ability to prepare key facts and observations for responses and opinions.

Education:

• Advanced scientific degree (M.S., Ph.D.) or Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline.

Certifications:

• None specified.

Skills:

• Proficient technical writing.
• Strong scientific and technical acumen.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented approach to reviewing patents and literature.
• Ability to work under close attorney supervision.
• Proficiency in applying legal rules and guidelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Founded in 1975, this firm handles complex challenges in litigation, real estate, corporate law, and intellectual property anywhere in the world. The firm is recognized as a diversity leader by important measures like the Corporate Equality Index. The firm has offices throughout the United States, China, and London.