Job Title: IP Administrator (Patent) I
Job Responsibilities:
The IP Administrator (Patent) I, referred to as IPA, plays a crucial role in supporting one or more practitioners with tasks that demand expertise in domestic patent prosecution. The IPA may also offer dedicated support to specific clients. Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing legal documents, reports, and correspondence related to domestic patent prosecution for practitioners and clients.
- Filing documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Assisting practitioners in managing their dockets in accordance with the law firm's practices.
- Organizing and maintaining the integrity of electronic data and files concerning clients’ intellectual property, following the law firm's policies and procedures.
- Reviewing incoming correspondence, including paper and electronic mail, facsimiles, docketed information, and client instructions, and taking necessary action as per the law firm's guidelines.
- Demonstrating proficiency in a range of software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and applicable IP software solutions, and learning new applications as required.
- Utilizing strong communication skills to interact with various parties through telephone, electronic mail, and facsimile, maintaining open lines of information-sharing with clients, practitioners, supervisors, and other firm management and personnel.
- Coordinating with colleagues and departments to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and other requests.
- Researching and retrieving information for task completion using applicable resources including the law firm's intranet, training materials, legal rules books (., the MPEP), the USPTO website, etc.
- Performing general administrative and support duties or tasks as required and requested.
- Taking on additional responsibilities as needed and assigned.
Education and Experience Information:
- A Bachelor’s degree is preferred for this position.
- A minimum of one to two (1-2) years of experience in domestic patent prosecution in a law firm or professional setting is required, with a preference for those who have worked in law firms.
- Demonstrated success in functioning in a demanding, service-oriented environment is essential.
- Proficient knowledge of domestic patent prosecution procedural terminology, requirements, and workflow is necessary.
- Effective oral and written communication skills are required.
- Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with different levels of constituencies, both individually and as part of a team, are needed.
- Strong critical thinking, interpretive, and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to accuracy and detail are required.
- The ability to prioritize one's own work is important.
- Flexibility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to support the law firm and its business needs are crucial.
- The ability to respond calmly, efficiently, and effectively in stressful situations is necessary.
- Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and Excel, and applicable IP software solutions is required.
- Comfort with using new technologies and databases is important.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize tasks efficiently is required.
- The ability to maintain confidentiality of matters and other law firm business information is essential.
- Punctuality and reliability are important.
- The ability to adhere to the established work schedule, with flexibility required to respond to workload demands and work additional hours when necessary, is required.
Salary Information:
The pay or shift range for the IP Administrator (Patent) I position is $69,000 USD to $84,400 USD annually. The specified range is the annual budgeted amount for the position, and actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.
Additional Information:
This position is offered in a hybrid format with locations in Boston, MA, New York, NY, or Washington DC. The law firm provides a comprehensive benefits package focused on the overall well-being of employees. Benefits include multiple health care plan options, vision and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts/health saving accounts, and life insurance. Employees are eligible for the employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, which includes an employer match and discretionary profit sharing. The law firm invests in employee development by providing tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits and perks include generous paid time off, including sick time and vacation time, parental leave, commuter benefits, a charitable matching gift program, well-being support, and more.
The law firm does not offer visa sponsorship, and all job openings are subject to export control regulations. Employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment, with violations subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The firm strives to provide reasonable accommodations to enable employees with disabilities to perform their duties. Frequent communication is essential, and employees must be able to exchange timely and accurate information in various situations. The position may require maintaining a stationary position for long periods (up to 50% of the workday), with occasional movement and the ability to lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. Employees working remotely have similar requirements.
The office environment is typical, with standard office equipment and a noise level usually quiet to moderate. Employees must manage multiple work priorities and frequent interruptions.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The law firm is an equal opportunity employer and must notify all applicants of their rights under federal employment laws. For further information, applicants are advised to review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
