Patent Agent

Job Overview

A law firm in Houston, TX, seeks a skilled and dedicated Patent Agent to join its dynamic Intellectual Property (IP) team. The ideal candidate will work closely with IP attorneys to draft and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and support clients involved in various patent-related litigation proceedings. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with substantial experience in patent prosecution, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Patent Application Drafting and Prosecution:
  • Draft and prosecute patent applications before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
  • Conduct patentability assessments and third-party patent searches.
  • Complete patent clearance and enforcement projects.
• Client Representation:
  • Assist IP attorneys in representing clients in Patent Office proceedings.
  • Support patent litigation and general patent prosecution matters.
• Patent Diligence:
  • Conduct patent diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
  • Provide comprehensive patent analysis and strategy.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Work collaboratively with the IP team on various projects.
  • Provide technical expertise and support as needed.

Requirements

• Experience:
  • 3+ years of intellectual property experience in patent transactional matters.
  • Experience in prosecuting patent applications in mechanical and electrical engineering.
  • Preference for candidates with additional experience in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Education:
  • Undergraduate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering.
  • An advanced technical degree is preferred.
• Certifications:
  • USPTO registration number is required.
• Skills:
  • Strong patent application drafting and prosecution skills.
  • Well-developed patent database search capabilities.
  • Substantive academic and professional knowledge.
  • Excellent time management skills, both independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced law firm environment.

Benefits

• Generous total compensation package with merit-based bonuses and raises.
• Comprehensive health and wellness plans.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
• 401(k) plan and profit-sharing plan.
• Discount programs and backup childcare support.
• Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) program.

Location

• Houston, TX

Here is an outstanding firm which is a strong player in the national market. It earns high marks for the congenial atmosphere of the firm. Like many national law firms which have entered into the Texas legal market as of late, this firm has experienced a good deal of success here. Associates working at the firm universally praise the firm's superior training programs. The firm appears to be very selective in terms of grades and hiring for the most part is done from Top 15 law schools. Associates at this firm seem to have a universal belief that there is very good interaction between partners and associates. For example, associates claim that they very often have lunch with partners. Overall, associates in this full service firm seem to believe that the work is interesting and challenging.