Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Oakland, CA, is seeking a Patent Agent who is eligible for admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical engineering or a related field, possess 3-5 years of patent attorney or agent experience, strong writing and communication skills, and demonstrate a keen interest in patent prosecution.

Duties:

• Conduct prior art searches and analyze technical documents.
• Draft patent applications and responses to office actions.
• Collaborate with inventors and attorneys to prepare patent prosecution documents.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding patent matters.
• Manage patent portfolios and assist with patent strategy development.

Requirements:

• Eligible for admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or relevant field; or equivalent industry experience.
• 3-5 years of patent attorney or agent experience.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Interest in patent prosecution.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across different U.S. time zones.

Education:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or relevant field.

Certifications:

• Admission to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.
• Membership in relevant professional organizations is desirable.

Skills:

• Proficiency in conducting prior art searches.
• Excellent drafting and technical writing abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and patent databases.
• Prior experience in patent prosecution in a law firm setting is a plus.

This firm specializes in intellectual property law and has its headquarters in California. It has six areas of practice. Some of its practice disciplines are IP portfolio development, licensing-other IP sharing arrangements and analyses of competitor-target IP. Five adept lawyers round out this firm.