Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

A law firm seeks a highly skilled Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney to become a vital part of its growing Intellectual Property Practice Group in Durham, NC. This position is ideal for an enthusiastic attorney who is eager to make significant contributions to patent prosecution and litigation within the fields of electrical engineering and software.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in accordance with intellectual property laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with inventors and stakeholders to collect necessary documentation for patent submissions.
• Conduct comprehensive patent searches to evaluate the potential for patentability.
• Provide legal counsel on intellectual property issues, including licensing and infringement matters.
• Manage responses to Office Actions and communicate effectively with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Utilize engineering knowledge in computer science or electrical engineering to inform patent strategies.
• Participate in design engineering projects as required, particularly within the semiconductor industry.
• Keep abreast of developments in intellectual property law and industry standards.

Requirements:

• 2-6 years of legal experience in patent prosecution or a closely related field.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO is mandatory.
• Proven experience in drafting patent applications and navigating the prosecution process.
• Educational background in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• Preference for candidates with experience in networking technologies and software applications.
• Familiarity with 3G/4G/5G wireless technology is advantageous.
• California Bar licensure is a plus.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Relevant technical degree in engineering or computer science.

Certifications:

• Must be admitted to the USPTO.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Excellent analytical abilities and attention to detail for evaluating patent applications.
• Proficient in legal research and knowledgeable about patent law and intellectual property rights.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment while managing individual tasks.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to staying informed about legal and technological advancements.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance coverage for additional peace of mind.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions to support financial planning.
• Paid Days Off (PDO) and vacation time to promote work-life balance.
• Performance-based discretionary bonus opportunities.

This rapidly growing firm has some serious chops with regards to the energy and natural resources, financial, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, retail, transportation, life sciences, communications, and health care sectors. Given the firm?s growth status, this firm promises multiple opportunities for associates to catch a wave and get in on the ground floor of something big.