Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Job Overview

An esteemed law firm is seeking a Patent Agent with a background in Chemistry to support its Intellectual Property practice group. This role is suited for candidates with 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience and an advanced degree in a chemistry-related field. The position involves working on high-level patent matters including drafting, prosecution, portfolio analysis, and client engagement. The ideal candidate will be registered to practice before the USPTO and comfortable handling complex scientific and legal issues.

Location

• Washington, DC

Duties

• Draft and file patent applications, incorporating scientific details of inventions

• Prepare responses to U.S. and foreign patent office communications

• Conduct patentability and technology assessments for client inventions

• Engage in patent portfolio analysis and IP due diligence for transactional matters

• Collaborate with inventors to discuss scientific concepts and translate into legal strategy

• Evaluate and report on scientific aspects of inventions

• Liaise with the USPTO and coordinate correspondence throughout the patent application process

• Manage and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

• Stay updated on developments in patent law and emerging technologies

• Maintain and analyze internal reporting data used for firmwide tracking

• Participate in continuing education and professional development initiatives

Requirements

• 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution

• Experience in patent portfolio analysis or IP transactional support preferred

• Strong understanding of USPTO procedures

• Familiarity with PTAB proceedings is a plus (not required)

• Availability to work additional hours as needed during peak periods

Education

• M.S. or Ph.D. in:

  • Chemistry

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications

• Qualified to sit for the U.S. patent bar

• Registration to practice before the USPTO preferred

Skills

• Proficiency in patent drafting and technical documentation

• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills for conveying complex scientific ideas

• Advanced knowledge of patent law principles, research methodologies, and industry trends

• Ability to manage multiple assignments under tight deadlines

• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, attorneys, and administrative staff

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and familiarity with patent docketing systems

• Awareness of confidentiality and professional ethics requirements

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.