Patent Agent

A law firm in Washington D.C. is seeking a Patent Agent who is registered to practice before the USPTO and possesses a minimum of 2 years of patent prosecution experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and technical expertise in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, or related fields, or alternatively in chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or an equivalent discipline.

Duties:

• Conduct prior art searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses.
• Analyze patents and scientific papers to assist with patent preparation, prosecution, and counseling.
• Collaborate with attorneys and inventors to draft patent applications.
• Communicate effectively with clients and examiners throughout the patent prosecution process.
• Stay abreast of developments in relevant scientific and legal fields.

Requirements:

• Must be registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Minimum of 2 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Ph.D. or M.S. degree in cellular biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology, or related technical field; or in chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmacy, or equivalent discipline.

Education:

• Ph.D. or M.S. in the specified technical fields.

Certifications:

• Registration to practice before the USPTO.

Skills:

• Broad technical knowledge in biological sciences and/or pharmaceutical sciences.
• Experience in conducting prior art searches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

This firm consistently gets high marks from its attorneys for its quality of life. Partners here truly value non-billable pro bono contributions--even encourage them! Pay and benefits are competitive and the work product superior.