Lateral Associate, Electronics Patent Prosecution and/or PTAB Litigation – 2nd to 5th year
About The Position
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is a highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firm seeking a Lateral Associate for its Electronics Group. The firm is recognized as a "great place" to work and fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment. This role is based in Washington, D.C. on a hybrid basis, offering flexibility in choosing in-office days. The firm provides a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and is conveniently located near public transportation, restaurants, and shops. Sterne Kessler is committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Requirements
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field of study
- JD from an ABA-accredited institution
- USPTO registration number
- Minimum 2 years of experience with patent preparation and prosecution, primarily in the Electrical and Computer Engineering spaces including semiconductor, wireless communications, and hardware technologies
Nice To Haves
- Some exposure to PTAB litigation proceedings
- MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering, or related field of study
Responsibilities
- Prepare and file original utility and design patent applications, including drafting detailed specifications, claims, and figures based on inventor disclosures and technical documentation.
- Analyze USPTO Office Actions, formulate strategic arguments to overcome rejections based on novelty (§102) and non-obviousness (§103), and draft persuasive responses and amendments.
- Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis of statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative decisions (e.g., USPTO rules) to develop sound legal strategies and arguments.
- Maintain regular, clear, and professional communication with internal clients, providing timely updates, gathering necessary information, and being responsive to Director and senior Associate assignments and ad hoc requests. Over time as the Associate gains confidence and abilities in their individual legal practice, Associates may be tasked with external client communication as well, under supervision of Directors.
- Interface directly with inventors and engineers to elicit invention details, understand the prior art landscape, and secure necessary information for application preparation.
- Manage and monitor the prosecution dockets for a designated portfolio of domestic and international patent applications.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
- On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
- Wellness program
- Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
- Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
- Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance, long term care insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Transportation commuter benefit program
- Back-up childcare and family support
- Pet insurance discount
- Employee Assistance Program services
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
