IP Specialist

About the role

This position reports to the Patent Manager and focuses on US patent prosecution matters, from pre-filing to grant, in support of the patent prosecution practice. The role is located in Costa Mesa, CA, and is in office four (4) days a week.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and apply in-depth knowledge of patent filing and prosecution practices in the USPTO.
• Stay up-to-date with current patent laws and practices.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of patent related documents with the USPTO.
• Ensure legal documents are processed in a timely and efficient manner complying with the firm’s quality control requirements, client guidelines, and USPTO regulations and deadlines.
• Monitor, maintain, and clear dockets for due dates and prepare reminders to attorneys and clients as needed.
• Work with Docketing department to prepare status and docket reports for attorneys and clients.
• Coordinate and interact effectively with attorneys, clients, and other patent paralegals and specialists on domestic and international patent matters.
• Compose correspondence to attorneys and clients regarding all aspects of patent prosecution.
• Review and process incoming correspondence from the USPTO.
• Update client reports.
• Create, maintain, and organize electronic and paper files; maintain client preferences and contacts within firm systems.
• Enter billable hours in the firm’s timekeeping system for certain tasks.
• Assist with miscellaneous client-related projects, including updating client IP Management Systems.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Professional proficiency in Korean, including the ability to read, write, and communicate verbally in a business or legal services setting.
• Associate Degree (A.A.) from a two-year college with a minimum of 2 years of patent filing and prosecution experience; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced professional services environment is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing Document Management Systems, such as NetDocs.
• Ability to leverage the Firm’s software to improve efficiency and a proven aptitude to learn new software applications.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with an ability to prioritize, multi-task and be detail-oriented to complete simultaneous projects with minimal supervision.
• A tolerance for uncertainty and ability to demonstrate good judgment, tact, and flexibility under pressure in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical and communication skills both oral and written.
• Interpersonal communication skills necessary to maintain effective relationships with partners, attorneys, clients and staff, and to exhibit a high degree of responsiveness, diplomacy and professionalism in these interactions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating instructions, procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Ability to work overtime when needed. Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Accurately manage and report all time worked on projects.

Benefits

• Competitive Salaries
• Performance Bonus Program
• Generous Time Off
• Generous Retirement Program including 401(k) Plan
• Group Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Healthy Wellness Program
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Insurance – Self and Family
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Pre-Tax Benefit Programs

Pay

The expected annual salary for this position ranges from $80,000-90,000. The salary offered will be determined by a wide range of factors including but not limited to experience level, education/training, and relevant skills.

Schedule

In office four (4) days a week. Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.