Senior Patent Agent

Job Title: Senior Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Washington, DC, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Patent Agent registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The ideal candidate will possess extensive patent prosecution experience and a technical background in biological and/or pharmaceutical sciences. The Senior Patent Agent will conduct prior art searches, analyze patents and scientific papers, and support patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling. Additionally, the role will involve patent portfolio management and strategy development.

Duties:

• Conduct prior art searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses.
• Analyze patents and scientific papers to assist with patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling.
• Manage patent portfolios and develop patent strategy.
• Collaborate with attorneys and inventors to identify patentable inventions.
• Draft patent applications and responses to office actions.
• Communicate with clients regarding patent matters.
• Stay updated on relevant laws and regulations.

Requirements:

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• 10+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Ph.D. or M.S. focused in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, or a related technical field; or one or more of chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent discipline.
• Technical background in the biological sciences and pharmaceutical sciences preferred.
• Broad technical knowledge.
• Experience with patent portfolio management and strategy development.
• Excellent academic record.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education and Certifications:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant technical field.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills:

• Prior art search proficiency.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in patent prosecution processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication 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.