Patent Agent

A law firm is seeking an experienced Patent Agent to join their Washington, DC office. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in patent prosecution, a strong technical foundation in biological or pharmaceutical sciences, and expertise in conducting prior art searches and patent analyses. The role demands excellent communication skills and a distinguished academic record.

Duties:

• Conduct comprehensive prior art searches to evaluate patentability and freedom to operate.
• Analyze patents and scientific papers to support patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling.
• Prepare and file patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Collaborate with attorneys to devise and implement patent strategies and address complex legal and technical issues.
• Provide expert technical support in biological or pharmaceutical sciences for patent-related matters.
• Review and interpret patent claims, technical documents, and scientific literature.
• Stay current on developments in patent law and advancements in relevant scientific fields.

Requirements:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Ph.D. or M.S. in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, or a related technical field; or chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or an equivalent discipline.
• Preferred technical background in biological or pharmaceutical sciences.
• 5+ years of experience in patent prosecution.
• Broad technical knowledge with experience in prior art searches and patent analysis.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Education:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant technical field such as cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent.

Certifications:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex scientific and technical information.
• Proficiency in patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a legal team.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills.

This firm consistently gets high marks from its attorneys for its quality of life. Partners here truly value non-billable pro bono contributions--even encourage them! Pay and benefits are competitive and the work product superior.