Patent Agent

Job Overview: A law firm in Boston, MA, is seeking a Patent Agent with a strong technical background in engineering. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting IP due diligence, and performing FTO analyses. Litigation and/or post-grant experience is considered advantageous. The successful candidate should possess excellent academic credentials, superior organizational and communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service, and a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in various technical fields.
• Conduct intellectual property due diligence and freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses.
• Provide support in litigation and post-grant proceedings related to intellectual property.
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients to develop and implement patent strategies.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree in Engineering (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience will be considered).
• Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
• Familiarity with conducting IP due diligence and FTO analyses.
• Some experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is advantageous.
• Strong academic record.

Education:

• Advanced degree in Engineering (Ph.D. preferred; Master’s degree with substantial industry experience will be considered).

Certifications:

• Patent Agent registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service.
• Creative and entrepreneurial perspective on intellectual property.

This large Boston firm has a surprisingly good government and regulatory practice, with the added bonus that their attorneys do not have to split their work with Washington DC lawyers in the same practice. This is a firm made up of well-rounded but most certainly well-pedigreed attorneys who come off unusually polished and professional. Associates here are generally quite satisfied, if not a little put off by what at times can be a bit of a competitive environment, both inside and outside the office. The strengths are that associates generally know whether they are 'on track' to make partner, and work in an environment that is designed with the appropriate mentoring and support staff to help associate development and training along.