Mid-Level Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

Job Title:
Mid-Level Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A law firm based in Columbia, SC, is seeking a Mid-Level Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney to join its esteemed Patent Prosecution & Litigation Practice Group. This opportunity offers the chance to work on a wide range of intellectual property matters, with a focus on patent prosecution and application drafting. Candidates will work with a dynamic team of legal professionals and handle high-profile matters across various industries.

Duties:

• Draft patent applications and manage patent prosecution for clients in diverse technical fields, including mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Advise clients on patent portfolio strategies, including filing and prosecuting patents before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Provide guidance on patentability, infringement analysis, and freedom-to-operate issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for patent protection and enforcement.
• Prepare responses to office actions and engage in examiner interviews.
• Assist in patent litigation matters, including preparing documents for disputes and trials when needed.
• Maintain effective communication with clients regarding case progress, strategic direction, and legal advice.

Requirements:

• 3-6 years of experience in patent prosecution, with a strong background in drafting patent applications.
• Expertise in mechanical or electrical engineering, or related technical fields.
• Registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Admission to the South Carolina State Bar.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Registered with the USPTO.
• Admission to the South Carolina State Bar.

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in patent law and intellectual property.
• Expertise in patent prosecution and drafting.
• Excellent communication and client management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Knowledge of additional intellectual property areas is a plus.

Job Location:
Columbia, SC

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and 401(k) plan.
• Paid Days Off (PDO) / Vacation.
• Performance-based discretionary bonus opportunities.
• Professional development opportunities within a supportive and inclusive work environment.

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.