Patent Agent

About the Role

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry, and have experience and interest in preparing patent applications. McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance.

Responsibilities

• Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
• Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, inferences, reexaminations, interviews, and reissues.
• Negotiates and drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
• Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
• Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches, publication clearance reviews, and assists in maintaining an active prosecution docket.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm.
• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees, and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.