Senior IP Docket Specialist

About the Role

Husch Blackwell LLP, a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, is seeking a Senior IP Docket Specialist. This position can be filled remotely or in any of our locations. The Senior IP Docket Specialist is responsible for monitoring assigned shared mailboxes, docketing requests, and ensuring accurate entry and date calculation for docket entries according to firm guidelines and procedures using the firm’s IP docketing software, PattsyWave. The role reports to the Senior IP Docket Manager and involves assisting with additional projects within the Centralized IP Docket Team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure accurate entry and date calculation for docket entries
• Assist the Senior IP Docketing Manager with training members of the Central Docketing team
• Review and accurately comprehend documents to identify and docket all deadlines
• Review USPTO and foreign filings, verifying accuracy via agency websites as necessary
• De-docket completed deadlines
• Verify accuracy of docketed and de-docketed items, resolving discrepancies
• Ensure accuracy of and update timekeepers assigned to matters
• Create, review, schedule, and distribute advanced docket reports for patent and trademark cases
• Respond professionally to requests from timekeepers and staff regarding docketed dates and IP rules
• Collaborate with Docketing, Risk, IP PSC, and firm leadership to improve docketing practices
• Process abandoned and transferred matters, assist with onboarding of incoming portfolios
• Oversee quality assurance review for patent and trademark filings
• Open new matters and input records into PattsyWave for foreign and domestic IP cases
• Review correspondence and enter due dates into the docketing system
• Assist with special projects
• Stay current with USPTO, PCT, Madrid Protocol, and foreign IP rules

Requirements

• 2-year degree or Paralegal Certificate required; 4-year degree preferred
• 10+ years of IP docketing experience with proficiency in software like PattsyWave, Foundation IP, or CPi
• Advanced knowledge of US and foreign patent/trademark prosecution procedures
• Working knowledge of Maintenance Fee-Annuity-Renewal processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and DMS systems like NetDocs
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical abilities, and resourcefulness
• Ability to adapt to change and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment

Pay

The expected compensation ranges for this position vary by location:

• State of California: $70,000 - $142,000
• State of Colorado: $64,000 - $114,000
• State of Illinois: $63,000 - $122,000
• State of Maine: $47,000 - $109,000
• State of Maryland: $68,000 - $102,000
• State of Massachusetts: $70,000 - $133,000
• State of Minnesota: $70,000 - $115,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $76,000 - $137,000
• State of New York: $65,000 - $140,000
• State of Vermont: $69,000 - $132,000
• State of Virginia: $45,000 - $132,000
• State of Washington: $68,000 - $128,000
• Washington, D.C.: $90,000 - $132,000

Compensation varies based on skills, experience, location, and other factors. A discretionary bonus is possible but not guaranteed.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off and holidays
• Retirement plan participation after meeting eligibility requirements