Patent Agent

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a Patent Agent with a minimum of 4 years of patent experience to join its Intellectual Property practice in Hartford, CT. The individual will collaborate with the firm's Patent team across various disciplines, focusing on intellectual property matters in the life sciences sector.

Duties

• Evaluate the patentability of innovations across diverse technology areas.
• Prepare, draft, and file U.S. patent applications.
• Prosecute U.S. patent applications and coordinate with foreign counsel for international prosecution.
• Support IP due diligence projects and strategic patent portfolio management.
• Conduct legal and technical research and analysis relating to patent and IP matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and business teams on IP strategy.
• Serve as a liaison for interdepartmental initiatives and interact regularly with outside counsel.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm or in-house setting, focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices.
• Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or eligibility to sit for the Patent Bar in the near term.
• Experience using search engines and databases such as SciFinder, USPTO, WIPO, EPO database systems.
• Experience with mechanical or electrical patent prosecution is a plus.
• Strong technological background and familiarity with relevant scientific subject matter.
• Ability to connect scientific details of research projects with patentability considerations.
• Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Education

• Ph.D. in a relevant life sciences discipline.

Certifications

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or eligibility to sit for the Patent Bar.

Skills

• Proficiency in using patent search engines and databases.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with the ability to work remotely two days per week.

This large, full-service firm is very women-oriented, and it has created many benefits to appeal particularly to women, including flexible work arrangements and 12-week paid maternity leave. Many of the firms attorneys are active in many community, professional and civic matters. Associates receive in-house training in a variety of areas and early client contact and hands-on experience. There is a business casual dress code, but associates are expected to keep professional clothing at the office in case of short notice meetings. All associates are expected to spend at least 50 hours annually on pro bono, and this is part of their billable hour expectation of 1800.