Patent Attorney

Patent Attorney - Job Description

Job Overview: A law firm is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Patent Attorney to join its team in Minneapolis, MN. The ideal candidate will possess 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience, a strong technical background in mechanical or electrical engineering, and excellent communication skills. This role requires a candidate who is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and holds an active attorney license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to promptly become licensed in IA, MN, ND, or WI. The firm offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment, focused on providing clients with high-quality patent-related legal services.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle all aspects of patent prosecution, including preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and internationally.
• Collaborate with inventors, engineers, and clients to understand technical concepts and develop strong patent strategies.
• Conduct patentability searches, analyze prior art, and assess patent scope for clients.
• Draft and file patent applications, amendments, and responses to USPTO office actions.
• Advise clients on intellectual property strategy, patent portfolio management, and patent infringement issues.
• Work closely with other attorneys and legal professionals in preparing complex patent applications.
• Maintain current knowledge of U.S. and international patent laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Assist with patent litigation and enforcement matters when needed.
• Stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to clients' fields of innovation.

Required Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Registration to practice with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Active attorney license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction with the ability to promptly become licensed in Iowa (IA), Minnesota (MN), North Dakota (ND), or Wisconsin (WI).

Qualifications and Experience:

• 1-5 years of patent prosecution experience, with a preference for candidates who have worked on mechanical or electrical engineering patents.
• Strong technical background, with a degree in mechanical, electrical engineering, or a related technical field.
• Proven experience in drafting patent applications and prosecuting them through the USPTO.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts to clients and colleagues.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, legal research, and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• High level of attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Proficiency in patent-related software tools and legal research databases.

Job Location:

• Minneapolis, MN

Law offices are located in Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, Mexico and China. The legal practice has sixty-four years of professional law experience. There are eleven areas of practice. A number of their practice disciplines consist of banking-financial services, employment-labor, energy and health law. A fairly large team of results-driven attorneys and a skilled support group are staffed at the firm. Pro-bono work is endorsed at the legal practice.