Patent Paralegal

JOB TITLE: Patent Paralegal LOCATION: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid; 2 days/week in office) PAY RANGE: $40 - $68/hr. DURATION: 6 Months (potential extension) POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking a full-time contractor for a Patent Paralegal role. As a member of the IP Operations team, you will report to the Principal Patent Paralegal and help establish and protect our rights to our innovations. You will coordinate U.S. and foreign filing and prosecution, collaborating with a large team including in-house attorneys, agents, and patent paralegals, as well as outside counsel. You must be comfortable with multitasking and prioritization in a fast-paced environment with close attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness. You must excel at obtaining and effectively communicating information related to pending patent applications and matters of U.S. and foreign patent law. RESPONSIBILITIES:Research, prepare, and draft complex legal documents for international patent filings and prosecutionPrepare accurate U.S. applications and PCT applications and documents using ePCT. File PCT and U.S. applications electronically through Patent CenterWork with internal attorneys, agents, and international law firms utilizing knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent rules and requirements to respond to office actions, complete formalities, and provide all materials and support. Monitor and ensure all deadlines are metRespond to questions regarding third-party and our patents from internal and external customersResearch and provide accurate responses regarding patent terms, relevant dates, priority applications, ownership, and other pertinent information by researching appropriate resources, including internal databases, attorney reports, and external specialized patent resources such as Patent Center, Espacenet, Patentscope, and worldwide patent officesEnsure compliance with patent handling proceduresPerform other duties as assigned by immediate managerQUALIFICATIONS:Minimum of three years of combined U.S. and foreign patent filing experienceBoth in-house and private practice law firm experience a plusDemonstrates integrity and honesty in all mattersExhibits professionalism and composure in stressful situations and in meeting short deadlinesSolid knowledge of U.S. and international patent filing procedures and rulesAbility to read, understand, and extract relevant information accurately from legal documentsSolid skills in Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate to advanced skills using Word and Excel.Experience with MxHero, Box, Anaqua, or other patent and trademark docketing systems is a plusThe ability and willingness to learn new software applicationsStrong oral, written, and organizational skillsAbility to work both independently and collaborativelyDemonstrates a willingness to learn and effectively utilize emerging technologies, including AI-powered tools, to improve efficiency, enhance data quality, and support patent operations workflows while exercising sound professional judgment.EDUCATION:Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certification, or the equivalent in experience BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching. IND123 BENEFITS SUMMARY: Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate or annual salary only, unless otherwise stated. In addition to base compensation, full-time roles are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, Commuter and 401K benefits with company matching. FAIR CHANCE POLICY: Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.