Patent Agent or Patent Technical Specialist Intellectual Property

Job Overview:
A law firm seeks a Patent Agent or Patent Technical Specialist to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group in Charlotte, NC. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with both large corporations and innovative startups to protect their intellectual property assets. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering, with a preference for those specializing in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science. This position allows the successful candidate to work directly with inventors, attorneys, and global patent professionals in a collaborative, business-focused environment.

Duties:

• Partner with inventors, attorneys, and technical experts to identify and evaluate innovations suitable for patent protection.
• Draft well-crafted patent applications that thoroughly describe technical inventions.
• Prepare responses to office actions issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and international patent offices.
• Assist in the development and execution of intellectual property strategies tailored to client business goals.
• Analyze and assess patent portfolios to identify potential strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
• Provide instructions and collaborate with non-U.S. patent attorneys and agents for international patent filings.
• Contribute to broader intellectual property counseling efforts, including risk assessments and competitor analysis.
• Support attorneys in intellectual property due diligence, opinions, and other related tasks.

Requirements:

• Enthusiastic approach to learning and mastering intellectual property law and patent processes.
• For Patent Agent candidates: Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• For Patent Technical Specialist candidates: No prior legal or patent experience required, though a strong technical foundation is essential.
• Excellent analytical thinking and writing abilities, especially when explaining complex technical concepts to legal and business audiences.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific or engineering discipline.
• Preferred fields include chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, though candidates with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering will also be considered.

Certifications:

• Patent Agent candidates must hold USPTO registration in good standing.
• No certifications required for Patent Technical Specialist candidates, though demonstrated technical expertise is essential.

Skills:

• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, legally sound language.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
• Time management skills to balance competing deadlines and client needs.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, and international colleagues.
• Proficiency with common office and legal research tools; familiarity with patent databases is a plus.

Benefits:

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity for professional development and mentorship in intellectual property law.
• Exposure to a wide variety of innovative technologies and industries.
• Flexible work arrangements when necessary.

Location:

• Charlotte, North Carolina (On-site work is expected, with flexibility to work extended hours when needed.)

Eight law offices are based in South Carolina and North Carolina. Practice areas are wide-ranging. Administrative-regulatory, corporate, employment-labor law, litigation and tax are a number of their practice disciplines. More than ninety well-established attorneys are staffed at their firm. They embrace community outreach endeavors all year long.