Docketing Paralegal (Patent & Trademark Prosecution)

Established in 1995, Mueting Raasch Group (MRG) is a dynamic intellectual property law firm dedicated to helping innovators protect their ideas through comprehensive patent prosecution.

About the role

The IP Docketing Paralegal is part of a team responsible for managing and maintaining the firm's intellectual property docketing system to ensure accurate tracking of deadlines for patent, trademark, and related IP matters. This role supports attorneys and paralegals by ensuring critical deadlines are calendared, monitored, and communicated in a timely and accurate manner. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in calculating U.S. and foreign IP deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the firm's IP docketing system (CPI).
• Review incoming correspondence and filings for docketing relevance.
• Accurately docket deadlines for U.S., PCT, and foreign patent and trademark matters based on USPTO, WIPO, and foreign associate communications.
• Calculate and docket deadlines for:
  • New US, PCT, National Stage, and Foreign Application Filings
  • Office Actions (US patent, trademark, and PCT)
  • Foreign Actions
  • Maintenance fees and annuities
  • TM Declarations and renewals, Statements of Use, and TTAB matters
• Assist in generating and distributing daily, weekly, and monthly deadline reports to attorneys and staff.
• Follow up with responsible attorneys regarding upcoming deadlines.
• Escalate urgent or missed deadlines immediately per firm protocol.
• Assist with onboarding new matters into the docketing system.
• Maintain electronic IP files consistent with firm procedures.
• Support implementation of docketing best practices and risk management procedures.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• 3+ years of IP docketing experience in a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Working knowledge of U.S. patent and trademark prosecution procedures.
• Familiarity with foreign patent and trademark deadline calculations.
• Experience with IP docketing software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume deadline tracking.
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience.
• Experience with international filings (including OUS countries, PCT, Madrid Protocol).
• Knowledge of USPTO and ePCT rules and procedures.
• Experience with document management systems.

Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and deadline-calculation abilities.
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced legal environment with strict deadlines.
• May require occasional overtime to meet critical filing deadlines.
• Hybrid/remote flexibility based on firm policy.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to review detailed documentation for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of objects of up to 25 pounds.

Pay

A reasonable estimate for someone hired into this position is $26.00 - $36.00/hour based on a 40-hour-a-week schedule.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Medical (employer-paid for employees only)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life/AD&D
  • Short-term disability (STD)
  • Long-term disability (LTD)
  • Health reimbursement account
  • Health savings account (employer contributions)
  • Pet insurance
• 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement package.
• Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time.
• Firm-issued equipment and a stipend for the home office.
• Hybrid working environment (some in-office required).
• In-office incentives such as monthly lunches and other perks.
• Discretionary bonuses.
• Free on-site gym.
• Professional development and continuing legal education assistance.