Patent Assistant (Flexible Location)

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, format, and produce Word, Excel, Adobe, and PowerPoint documents
• Support and assist patent attorneys and technology specialists with all legal and administrative work related to patent applications
• Prepare and file new patent applications, sequence listings, Office Action responses, Missing Parts responses, Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), Terminal Disclaimers, Requests for Continued Examination (RCEs), change of Applicant documents, change of inventorship documents, Assignments, Declarations, Powers of Attorney, Issue Fee payments, Patent Term Adjustment requests, Patent Term Extension filings, and various US patent prosecution documents with the USPTO
• Communicate with clients, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and foreign associates to ensure applications are filed accurately and timely
• Review and maintain a docket of associated deadlines for assigned clients, including but not limited to management and tracking of all aspects of formalities associated with filing
• Aid in the creation, editing, and finalization of licensing documents
• Assist with ongoing projects to ensure consistency and accuracy
• Provide overflow support to the team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum of 3 years of US patent prosecution experience in a fast-paced law firm environment
• Experience with life sciences-based patent prosecution strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines with minimum supervision
• Sound judgment and ability to respect, protect and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to quickly and proactively identify problems and develop solutions
• Work independently and escalate concerns when needed
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal
• Must work well in a team environment and maintain a positive team atmosphere
• Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as Adobe, Foundation IP, WIPO Sequence, and various other software utilized in the Patent Prosecution Department, comfort with technology, and ability to learn new software and applications
• Experience working with PatDocs, Derwent, and TotalPatent One is a plus
• Willingness and flexibility to work overtime as needed
• Familiarity with time and billing software is a plus