Patent Agent or Attorney (Video/Audio Processing)

This is an exceptional opportunity to join our growing Electrical and Computer Science IP team with a national and international client base. The position can be based out of any of our offices.

About the Role

The Patent Agent or Associate must have a minimum of 2 years of IP prosecution experience at a firm or in-house. Ability to draft patent applications and admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are required. Substantial physics/math, optics/photonics, audio and/or image processing experience is a plus. Graduate-level experience or an advanced technical degree is also a plus, as is experience with codecs, virtual/augmented reality, and AI.

Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology and have excellent advanced mathematics skills.

About the Company

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, and start-ups.

Our Intellectual Property practice group is our largest practice group, with over 150 lawyers and technical professionals, including more than 20 Patent Engineers, Scientists, and Agents. Our IP practice group provides legal services related to all aspects of IP, including prosecution, transactions, portfolio management, and litigation.

Locations

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington D.C. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration.

Requirements

• Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology
• Excellent academic credentials
• At least two years of in-house or law firm patent prosecution experience
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion
• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay
• Annual merit review/incentive pay
• Outstanding benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision care
  • Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Generous PTO plus 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Short-term and long-term disability plans
• Life insurance and critical illness insurance
• Parental/family leave

Pay

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for this role is between $80,000 - $140,000 for an ESA and between $165,000 - $245,000 for an Associate. The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Individuals in this role are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions.

Schedule

This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits.