Patent Agent

About the role

McGuireWoods LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms, is seeking a Patent Agent to prepare original patent applications, respond to USPTO office actions, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The firm offers a hybrid remote option for most employees, providing 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related Engineering or Science field.
• Minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees, and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
• Self-motivated with 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.

Benefits

McGuireWoods offers excellent benefits and a hybrid remote option for most employees.