Intellectual Property Paralegal III
About The Position
The IP Paralegal III will provide advanced intellectual property (IP) administrative and legal support, independently managing a broad range of patent prosecution and maintenance activities across U.S., European, international, and foreign jurisdictions. This person will be responsible for maintaining complex patent dockets, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of critical IP filings and processes. As a subject matter expert, the Paralegal III applies deep knowledge of IP law and best practices while driving continuous process improvements across the department. The role also serves as a mentor and trainer for team members on patent-related matters and leads operational initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and service excellence. This role is based out of our La Jolla, San Diego office. You must attend the office 3x/week.
Requirements
- Paralegal/IP certification or equivalent experience
- University/college education preferred
- 7-10 years patent paralegal experience (law firm or corporate, international/foreign filing)
- Leadership potential
- Applies strong research, analytical, and decision-making skills with high attention to detail.
- Demonstrates strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Collaborates across divisions to ensure knowledge sharing and efficiency.
- Demonstrates leadership and ability to mentor other paralegals.
- Acts as a champion for the Operations team.
Nice To Haves
- Provides complex prosecution services in a timely, professional, and reliable manner.
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of EP/US and PCT patent formalities and global requirements.
- Manages workload with high quality in a multifaceted environment.
- Demonstrates competency with patent databases and reporting tools.
- Works independently and meets deadlines in an electronic environment.
Responsibilities
- Filing of EP/US/international and foreign patent applications and related correspondence from filing to issuance of grant.
- Responsible for EP/US and international patent filings, patent nationalizations into foreign jurisdictions, as well as foreign filings under other conventions.
- Responsible for preparing all documents required in connection with EP, US, PCT and foreign applications; proactively initiates preparation of responses to official communications and notifications.
- Maintain and share advanced knowledge of latest patent rules and adapting practices to comply.
- Monitor and update electronic docket(s) for responsible attorney(s) and assigned paralegal tasks on a daily basis.
- Monitor all assigned cases and proactively ensure that all related deadlines are met in a timely manner.
- Independently review, maintain, and assist with attorney dockets and workload.
- Coordinate outsourcing, transfer in and transfer out of patent files and responsibilities efficiently, minimizing risk of loss of rights.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, inventors, foreign agents, and associates.
- Participate in patent group and cross-divisional meetings.
- Provide support in other operational areas (annuity, invoicing, data input) as needed.
- Undertake projects addressing global prosecution and operational issues.
- Lead development of procedures and processes and recommend efficiencies.
Benefits
- health, life and disability benefits
- a 401(k) with company contribution and match
- a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
