Patent Attorney - Mechanical Engineer

About the role

Mueting Raasch Group (MRG), established in 1995, is a dynamic intellectual property law firm dedicated to helping innovators protect their ideas. We are seeking a Patent Attorney with a mechanical engineering background to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications for complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems.
• Conduct freedom-to-operate and prior art searches.
• Conduct patentability, validity, and infringement analyses and develop associated legal opinions.
• Advise clients on IP strategy, including patent portfolio development and risk assessment.
• Work collaboratively with inventors, engineers, and other legal team members to understand technical innovations and translate them into strong patent applications.
• Independently manage a sophisticated patent docket.
• Perform other client and administrative duties.

Requirements

• Thorough understanding of intellectual property law with an emphasis on patent preparation and prosecution.
• Strong technical understanding of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and related innovations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with a proven ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of foreign patent prosecution procedures preferred.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in Minnesota (Certificate of Good Standing required).
• Admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, required.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a similar degree from an accredited college or university, required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution in a law firm or corporate legal department, preferred.
• 2 years of experience in a mechanical engineering role, preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds.

Pay

A reasonable estimate for someone hired into this position is $120,000 to $210,000. The salary range reflects various factors considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical (employer-paid for employees only), dental, vision, life/AD&D, and STD and LTD disability insurance.
• Health reimbursement account and health savings account (with employer contributions).
• Pet insurance.
• 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement package.
• Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time.
• Firm-issued equipment and a stipend for the home office.
• Hybrid working environment (some in-office required).
• In-office incentives such as monthly lunches and other perks.
• Discretionary bonuses.
• Free on-site gym.
• Professional development and continuing legal education assistance.