We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth-minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.
We invite you to explore the position below and to submit your application to join our team!
This Patent Paralegal position will assist the Intellectual Property Practice Section, focusing on responsiveness and ensuring that all documents received from clients, foreign agents, U. S. Patent and Trademark Office and other government agencies have been responded to timely and accurately. In addition, all other day-to-day responsibilities should be met under established policies and procedures while also exercising discretion and confidentiality in maintaining contact with clients, attorneys and staff.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Ensure that policies and procedures for assigned duties are followed on a day-to-day basis, including client special instructions and in accordance with established firm guidelines.
- Monitor and follow-up on dates associated with the US and foreign docket, including clearing dates and providing follow-up with attorneys, clients, and management to provide adequate time to respond.
- Clear daily docket reports in collaboration with the IP docket department and in accordance with established firm guidelines.
- Work with attorneys in keeping abreast of all rules and regulations and procedures for filing domestic and international applications including all formalities related thereto.
- Create and forward formal documents to the client within established schedules to reduce a backlog of work.
- Prepare all administrative documents associated with USPTO patent filings for final review and approval by supervisory patent attorney and/or patent agent.
- Receive and act upon client instructions, including confirmation and/or draft response to client inquiries related to US, PCT and foreign applications.
- Review attorneys’ client information and ensures that addresses, special instructions are being followed in accordance with the clients’ standard operating procedures.
- Maintain client-specific spreadsheets and informational cards within the IPMS related to portfolio management, as appropriate.
- Create and maintain electronic worksheets to assist attorney in managing client needs.
- As needed, work with the IP Service Assistants to Process assignments and name changes in the U.S. and internationally.
- Draft routine correspondence and/or formal documents for filing at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office “USPTO” for attorneys and others as needed, proofread, photocopy, scan documents into the firm’s document management system and assemble correspondence as needed.
- Complete needed internal checklists to track all relevant activities, such as a Notice of Allowance checklist.
- Maintain and prioritize work daily and communicate if unable to meet daily responsibilities.
- Utilize USPTO and other related government agency electronic resources effectively.
- Provide back-up support to other team members as needed, including IP Service Assistants and/or other IP Patent Paralegals if requested.
- Track and record client-billable time as required to meet minimum billable hour requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Familiarity with US and international patent law, including PCT and inter-partes matters.
- Able to effectively communicate and follow instructions, both verbally and in writing, from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff and provide information with courtesy and tact.
- Proficient in USPTO procedures and best practices, including working knowledge of Manual of Patent Examining Procedures and 37 Code of Federal Regulations.
- Ability to work under pressure while producing a high volume of information, with strong attention to detail while producing accurate work product.
- Willingness and ability to accept changing assignments and priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to gain a detailed understanding of specific client needs to provide support and planning that will ensure a high quality and accurate work product.
- Willingness and flexibility to work closely with all departments and others as needed.
- Ability to compose, proofread and edit (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) routine memorandums and correspondence.
- Ability to identify and analyze complex issues and problems and to recommend and implement solutions.
- Strong computer knowledge, including knowledge of various online electronic filings with government agencies and to maintain worksheets for clients.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Ability to search various websites to locate information to communicate with client or maintain accurate information in the firm’s various software applications associated with IP.
- Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external clients effectively and professionally.
- Ability to self-manage and work independently in a hybrid, and in-office setting.
Education And/or Experience
- Bachelor's degree; any combination of experience, education or training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
- Certificate of completion from a paralegal training program; American Bar Association (ABA) approval preferred.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive patent prosecution experience, including docket management, application filings, and prosecution.
The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid-19.
This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all-inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs.
This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice. If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at privacy@troutman.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.
Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, education, training, and/or experience.
Hiring Salary Range
$120,000.00 - $140,000.00
