Patent Agent

A law firm seeks a Patent Agent to join its Intellectual Property (IP) team in Minneapolis, MN. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with a strong mechanical engineering background to work on the development and prosecution of patent portfolios. The successful candidate will support clients in various industries, handling a range of IP matters within a dynamic and growing practice.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications, focusing primarily on mechanical engineering technologies.
• Work closely with clients to understand their IP needs and provide strategic advice on patent portfolio management.
• Conduct patent searches and provide legal analysis on patentability and infringement matters.
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure timely filing and prosecution of patent applications.
• Draft responses to office actions and correspondence with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Assist in patent litigation and post-grant proceedings as needed.
• Provide counsel on IP strategies to enhance clients’ innovation and competitive advantage.

Requirements:

• 1 to 4 years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications, ideally in the mechanical engineering field.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering is strongly preferred; candidates with degrees in Electrical Engineering or related fields will also be considered.
• Proven ability to draft and prosecute complex patent applications.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a focus on clear and effective client interaction.
• Motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Education:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.) is preferred.
• Additional degrees or qualifications in electrical engineering or related fields are also welcomed.

Certifications:

• Registered patent agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of patent law and procedures.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and innovations.
• Exceptional writing skills, particularly in drafting patent applications and legal documents.
• Ability to analyze complex technologies and translate them into clear patent claims.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working directly with clients.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and healthcare savings accounts (HSA).
• Life and disability insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contributions.
• Generous vacation time, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Employee assistance programs and mental health support.
• Voluntary benefits include accident insurance, long-term care, and pet insurance.
• Commuter and transit benefits are available in select locations.

This is a unique opportunity to further your career in intellectual property law within a supportive and collaborative team. If you are ready to take on challenging patent work and contribute to an innovative practice, we encourage you to apply.

As one of the largest law firms in the U.S. with more than 40 offices, it was founded in 1967. This full-service firm provides legal representation in banking and finance, blockchain, corporate, cybersecurity, energy, entertainment, environmental, food, gaming, health care, real estate, tax, hospitality, and others. This innovative law firm creates creative and efficient strategies that enable to improve predictability, provide better insights, and deliver more value. The firm is committed to diversity and appreciates all backgrounds. Having a collaborative environment, the attorneys and staff have achieved significant results in the legal community. The firm provides new associates with high-level training in client management, business development, collaboration, and cultural skills. Offering unique professional opportunities, the firm empowers attorneys at all levels to shape their paths to success. The firm has developed a strong commitment to giving back to the community and strives to make a difference by leading, volunteering, and donating to a wide range of causes. The firm has numerous recognition awards and awards for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation.