Job Title: Patent Agent
Job Responsibilities:
The Patent Agent is responsible for providing support to attorneys and clients in matters related to patent litigation, filing, and preparation of patent applications. Key responsibilities include:
- Drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Reviewing and analyzing patents and technical documents for case preparation and evaluating the patentability of innovations.
- Preparing, drafting, and filing patent applications and registrations.
- Conducting patentability, invalidity, freedom to operate (FTO), and evidence of use searches.
- Tracking the patent application process from start to finish.
- Reviewing documents for responsiveness to subpoenas and discovery requests.
- Maintaining and managing documentation processes related to patent laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Assisting with intellectual property infringement litigations.
- Participating in interviews with examiners at the USPTO.
- Keeping up to date with legal developments in the intellectual property field.
- Undertaking special projects and additional duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
- 1-3 years of experience in a related field.
- A strong technical background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or physics.
- Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications is required.
- Some litigation and/or post-grant experience, and/or large law firm experience, is preferred.
- Candidates must have an excellent academic record and superior organizational and communication skills, both written and oral.
- A demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service with a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property is necessary.
Minimum Education:
- Registration with the USPTO is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Salary Information:
The position may be filled in the District of Columbia or Illinois, with the following base salary ranges:
- Illinois: $144,000–$217,000 per year
- District of Columbia: $158,000–$236,000 per year
An individual's actual compensation will depend on their qualifications and experience. In addition to base compensation, the law firm provides bonus opportunities and an exceptional benefits package.
Benefits Information:
The law firm promotes a work environment that supports both professional and personal well-being, offering resources to encourage health and well-being. Some of the benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental, and vision plans, including coverage for domestic partners.
- Life and AD&D insurance.
- Short and long-term disability insurance.
- Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare expenses, including FSAs and HSAs.
- FSAs for dependent care.
- Health advocacy services.
- Behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members.
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plans.
- Pre-tax transit and parking programs.
- Backup dependent care and senior care planning support.
- Resources for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.
- Paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Benefits may vary by position and office.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The law firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by law. Personal information collected from applicants will be used for processing applications throughout the recruitment or employment process and may include data such as name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Further information may be collected if consent is given for a background check, including criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit the Legal Information Portal for the law firm's privacy policies.
