Patent and Trademark Associate Attorney or Counsel

A law firm in Houston is seeking a Patent and Trademark Associate Attorney or Counsel with 1-3 years of experience. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field from a top university, along with strong patent prosecution experience, preferably in the energy industry or software development industry. Trademark experience is required, and additional experience in intellectual property areas such as licensing, technology transactions, diligence, copyrights, opinions, and non-disclosure agreements is a plus. Candidates must be licensed to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office, and lawyers must also be licensed in the jurisdiction of their office.

Duties:

• Conduct patent prosecution, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the USPTO.
• Provide legal advice and strategic guidance on patent and trademark matters.
• Conduct trademark prosecution, including clearance searches, filing trademark applications, and responding to office actions.
• Handle intellectual property transactions, including licensing agreements, technology transfers, and due diligence reviews.
• Draft and negotiate intellectual property agreements, including licenses, assignments, and non-disclosure agreements.
• Conduct intellectual property audits and provide legal opinions on patent and trademark issues.
• Assist with intellectual property litigation matters, including infringement actions and defense.
• Stay updated on developments in patent and trademark law and industry trends.
• Collaborate with attorneys and support staff on intellectual property matters and client initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and patent and trademark office personnel.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field from a top university.
• Strong patent prosecution experience, preferably in the energy industry or software development industry.
• Trademark experience is required.
• Additional experience in intellectual property areas such as licensing, technology transactions, diligence, copyrights, opinions, and non-disclosure agreements is a plus.
• Admission to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• License to practice law in the jurisdiction of the office.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field from a top university.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Admission to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.
• License to practice law in the jurisdiction of the office.

Skills:

• Strong patent prosecution skills.
• Proficiency in trademark prosecution.
• Knowledge of intellectual property transactions and agreements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Strong interpersonal skills are an absolute must at this firm, which is widely cited by associates for creating a positive and unique work environment. Renowned in the field of energy, the firm boasts excellent exit opportunities in related concentrations and is noted for its high quality of work. It?s also lean in its staffing and offers a true partner track and market pay.