Intellectual Property Patent Agent

A law firm in Boston is seeking an Intellectual Property Patent Agent with a strong technical background in chemistry. The ideal candidate will hold an advanced degree in chemistry (Ph.D. preferred; a Master’s degree with substantial industry experience will be considered). The candidate should have experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting IP due diligence, and performing freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses. Registration with the USPTO is preferred, and prior firm experience is helpful. The candidate must demonstrate an excellent academic record, superior organizational and communication skills, a commitment to exceptional client service, and a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to chemistry and chemical technologies.
• Conduct IP due diligence and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
• Prepare and file responses to USPTO office actions and manage patent application prosecution.
• Perform patent portfolio management and provide strategic IP advice.
• Collaborate with inventors and clients to gather detailed technical information and develop patent strategies.
• Assist in patent litigation and post-grant proceedings, if applicable.
• Stay current with developments in patent law and chemistry-related technologies.
• Provide innovative solutions to complex IP issues and contribute to the firm’s growth and client satisfaction.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in chemistry (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience considered).
• Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Proven ability to conduct IP due diligence and FTO analyses.
• Some experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is useful.
• Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) preferred.
• Prior experience working in a law firm environment is helpful.

Education:

• Advanced degree in chemistry (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience considered).

Certifications:

• Registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) preferred.

Skills:

• Strong technical background in chemistry and related fields.
• Excellent academic record with proven technical and legal proficiency.
• Superior organizational and communication skills (both written and oral).
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service.
• Creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Effective problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

This large Boston firm has a surprisingly good government and regulatory practice, with the added bonus that their attorneys do not have to split their work with Washington DC lawyers in the same practice. This is a firm made up of well-rounded but most certainly well-pedigreed attorneys who come off unusually polished and professional. Associates here are generally quite satisfied, if not a little put off by what at times can be a bit of a competitive environment, both inside and outside the office. The strengths are that associates generally know whether they are 'on track' to make partner, and work in an environment that is designed with the appropriate mentoring and support staff to help associate development and training along.