Intellectual Property Paralegal

Jackson Walker•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intellectual Property Paralegal provides specialized legal and administrative support to attorneys in the Intellectual Property practice. The role assists with preparing and filing patent, trademark, and copyright applications; maintaining issued patents and registered trademarks; and coordinating communications with clients, government agencies, and domestic and foreign counsel. The Paralegal maintains positive contact with clients, attorneys, and support staff and observes strict confidentiality of client, personnel, and firm matters. The position operates in a professional office environment with little exposure to excessive noise or temperature. The duties described are not an exhaustive statement of the position’s functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions based on job-related factors.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Paralegal certification required, though substantial equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree or paralegal certification.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
Ability to proofread and edit legal correspondence and documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and accuracy.
Ability to prepare initial drafts of intellectual property applications and responses to Office Actions based on attorney guidance and research findings.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to create and maintain calendar deadlines and reminders to ensure timely communications with clients, foreign associates, and internal teams.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact professionally and tactfully with clients, attorneys, and staff in person, by email, and by telephone.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
Familiarity with intellectual property databases, filing systems, and docketing systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with drafting patent, trademark, and copyright applications and responses to Office Actions.
Prepare and file documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and U.S. Copyright Office.
Coordinate with foreign counsel regarding international filings and intellectual property matters.
Coordinate maintenance of issued patents and registered trademarks, including domestic and foreign filings.
Access and use USPTO systems, including Patent Center, Trademark Center, and Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR).
Monitor and manage file deadlines through the CPI docketing system and respond accordingly.
Gather documentation from clients and organize materials in the appropriate matter file.
Use intellectual property websites and databases, including USPTO, WIPO, the European Patent Office, the Texas Secretary of State Office, and foreign annuity payment systems.
Communicate with USPTO personnel regarding filing status, hearings, and Office Action responses.
Communicate with clients and foreign associates regarding the status of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trademark renewals, and maintenance fees.
Attend client meetings as requested.
Provide additional support and perform other duties as assigned.