Patent Agent (Semiconductor Experience)

Job Title: Patent Agent (Semiconductor Experience)

Job Overview:

A prominent law firm located in Palo Alto, CA, seeks a technically skilled Patent Agent with a strong background in semiconductor technologies to support its intellectual property practice. The role involves preparing patent applications, managing correspondence with patent offices, and liaising between inventors and legal teams. Ideal candidates will have several years of industry-aligned patent prosecution experience, a strong educational foundation in a relevant engineering or physical science field, and familiarity with patent laws and procedures.

Duties:

• Draft patent applications related to semiconductor technologies, incorporating technical and scientific detail.

• Respond to office actions and official communications from the USPTO and foreign patent offices.

• Translate complex inventions into comprehensive documentation for legal review and submission.

• Act as a communication bridge between inventors and legal professionals.

• Conduct technical evaluations of inventions and summarize findings for legal strategy discussions.

• Support attorneys by organizing, reviewing, and summarizing technical records and communications.

• Maintain clear, professional communication with internal teams, clients, and administrative bodies.

• Manage simultaneous priorities under deadlines while maintaining high quality and accuracy.

• Contribute to the development and training of junior staff or technical personnel when applicable.

• Remain informed of emerging technologies and propose enhancements to internal practices.

• Take on additional assignments as necessary, including occasional travel or extended work hours.

• Support hybrid work arrangements, maintaining a consistent in-office presence as needed.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution in the semiconductor sector.

• Strong working knowledge of patent law, prosecution processes, and USPTO procedures.

• Ability to interpret technical material and communicate effectively with legal and technical audiences.

• Proven ability to work independently with sound judgment and confidentiality.

• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Adept at balancing multiple priorities with professionalism and poise.

• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required in one of the following (or a closely related field):

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Materials Science/Engineering

  • Physics

  • Chemical Engineering

Certifications:

• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office is preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Advanced technical writing and verbal communication skills.

• Strong research, analytical, and reporting capabilities.

• Familiarity with scientific and technical documentation standards.

• Effective time management and task prioritization under tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in office software and document management platforms.

• Professional conduct in confidential and sensitive environments.

• Capacity to conduct individual and collaborative meetings effectively.

Job Location:

• Palo Alto, CA

• A hybrid schedule is available (minimum 60% in-office presence expected)

This Texas-headquartered elite firm is appealing for associates interested in energy work. The firm is serious about its career development. Junior associates are assigned a senior associate mentor and formal training at the firm is guaranteed. Associates confirmed the firm has an encouragement aspect and all workers strive to the best job they can do. This firm has gained important recognition in the community for its diversity efforts. Pro bono is popular among the attorneys and most have devoted over 100 years each year to pro bono efforts. Thefirm pays top-of-market compensation.