Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Location: Century City, Chicago, Del Mar, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or Silicon Valley

Job Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Paralegal to support attorneys and patent agents, primarily working with life sciences clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of U.S., Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and foreign patent prosecution rules and procedures, experience supporting life sciences clients and managing related patent portfolios, and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working independently and collaboratively with legal professionals and other team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with attorneys and patent agents to prepare and file U.S. and PCT patent applications and prosecution documents.
• Coordinate foreign patent filings with foreign counsel.
• Prepare formalities and filing documents for the USPTO and international patent offices.
• Manage assigned patent dockets, review deadlines for accuracy, and coordinate timely action with attorneys, patent agents, foreign counsel, and the IP docketing team.
• Review and process patent office correspondence and keep clients informed of filings, deadlines, and prosecution developments.
• Maintain accurate electronic files and patent portfolio reports.
• Assist with patent research, portfolio transfers, and intellectual property due diligence projects.
• Maintain accurate time records and meet annual billable-hour requirements.
• Participate in required training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• At least 6 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably in a law firm.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S., PCT, and foreign patent prosecution rules and procedures.
• Hands-on experience with USPTO Patent Center and WIPO ePCT.
• Experience supporting life sciences clients.
• Knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent sequence-listing requirements.
• Strong organizational, communication, proofreading, and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and document management systems.
• Ability to learn new technologies and systems quickly.
• Flexibility to work overtime, evenings, and weekends as needed.

Education and Certification

• High school diploma or equivalent required, along with substantial relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's degree or some college preferred.
• ABA-approved paralegal certification required.

Computer and Software Skills

Proficiency in the following is required:

• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Adobe Acrobat
• Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Document management systems

Work Environment and Schedule

• Indoor office environment, typically in a cubicle or workstation.
• Hybrid schedule requiring a minimum of four days per week in the office and one day working remotely, subject to change.
• Availability during core business hours is required.
• Overtime may be necessary depending on business needs.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Bonus eligibility where applicable