Director of IP Operations

Dickinson Wright Professional Staff • Troy, MI

9d

About The Position

The Director of IP Operations oversees and manages all docketing operations for the Firm’s Intellectual Property practice, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all deadlines across domestic and international patent, trademark, and copyright matters. This leadership role is responsible for supervising the docketing team, maintaining docketing procedures, ensuring compliance with global IP office regulations, and providing exceptional support to attorneys, paralegals, and clients. The Director drives operational excellence within a high‑volume law firm environment and ensures the highest level of accuracy and service for a diverse client portfolio.

Requirements

• 10+ years of IP docketing experience in a law Firm setting.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. and international IP deadlines, including USPTO, WIPO, EPO, Madrid Protocol, and PCT regulations.
• Advanced proficiency with IP docketing software (e.g., PattsyWave, CPI, Foundation IP, Anaqua).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate effectively with attorneys and staff.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage large volumes of deadlines under pressure.
• Knowledge of law Firm operations, professional responsibility rules, and risk management practices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading docketing operations for a multi-office or large law Firm.
• Training in patent rules, trademark procedures, or formal IP office coursework.
• Experience with IPMS implementation or data migration projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the IP docketing department, including docketing specialists, coordinators, and support staff.
• Recruit, train, and develop docketing team members; implement ongoing professional development and performance evaluations.
• Establish quality control guidelines and ensure adherence to Firm policies and client service standards.
• Oversee the timely and accurate entry, tracking, and auditing of all patent, trademark, and copyright deadlines for U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance with USPTO, WIPO, EPO, and international IP office rules, regulations, and updates.
• Coordinate closely with attorneys and paralegals to monitor deadlines, filing requirements, and special client instructions.
• Conduct regular audits to maintain data integrity and minimize risk across all IP matters.
• Serve as the administrator for the Firm’s IP docketing system.
• Manage system maintenance, upgrades, user permissions, workflow configurations, and template management.
• Liaise with IT and vendors to optimize system use, improve automation, and support Firmwide technology initiatives.
• Oversee migration projects or system enhancements as needed.
• Develop, update, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for docketing across all IP disciplines.
• Track and incorporate changes in global IP rules into docketing procedures.
• Establish Firmwide docketing protocols to mitigate risk and ensure consistent interpretation of rules.
• Ensure adherence to the Firm’s risk management policies and malpractice-prevention practices.
• Provide reliable and timely docketing information to attorneys, paralegals, and Firm leadership.
• Offer guidance and training to new attorneys and staff on docketing processes and systems.
• Assist in responding to client inquiries, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Support client-specific docketing protocols, reporting formats, and communications.
• Generate and analyze docketing reports to identify trends, risks, and operational improvements.
• Present metrics, audit results, and operational updates to Firm leadership.
• Assist in annual budgeting and resource planning for the docketing department.
• Recommend process enhancements and technology solutions to increase efficiency and quality.

Benefits

• Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our U.S. offices, including health, dental, and vision; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; paid vacation; and parental leave.
• Additional elective programs include: a health flexible spending account, a health savings account, identity theft protection, a dependent day care reimbursement account, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, an employee assistance program, and emergency travel assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed