IP Paralegal

Johnson & Johnson•West Chester, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal supports the DePuy Synthes IP Legal team across patent and trademark matters, including clearance, portfolio and docket management, and other related portfolio activities. The role also provides administrative and operational support for the IP Legal team, including coordinating execution of formal documents, scheduling meetings and related follow-up, and managing travel arrangements and logistics. The role requires strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work proactively and independently with limited attorney supervision.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines, prioritize workload, and complete assignments accurately with limited supervision.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with attorneys, outside counsel, business partners, intellectual property offices, and other stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn new skills, identify issues, recommend solutions, and escalate matters appropriately.
High attention to detail, sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to producing excellent work product.
Familiarity with intellectual property docket management systems, research platforms, electronic filing tools, and reporting functions.
Strong administrative coordination skills, including the ability to manage document execution workflows, calendars, meeting logistics, travel arrangements, and competing operational priorities with discretion and accuracy.
Understanding of trademark and patent prosecution processes, including domestic and international requirements.
Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate, or equivalent combination of education and relevant legal or intellectual property experience.
At least 3–5 years of paralegal, legal assistant, or comparable intellectual property experience supporting patent and/or trademark matters.
Experience supporting patent and trademark prosecution workflows, including preparation, review, coordination, and electronic filing of application, registration, response, and maintenance documents.
Experience coordinating administrative workflows in a legal, corporate, or professional services environment, including execution of formal documents, scheduling, and travel coordination.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines accurately.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, other paralegals, business partners, and external counsel.

Responsibilities

Support management of the DePuy IP portfolio, including preparation, review, and electronic filing of application or registration papers, responses, and other prosecution documents for patent and trademark matters.
Assist with trademark clearance, conflict, and transactional matters, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and outside counsel as appropriate.
Use department docket management and research tools to generate reports, monitor upcoming deadlines, and help ensure timely completion of required actions.
Coordinate execution of formal documents, including signature routing, tracking, completion, distribution, and retention of fully executed agreements, assignments, declarations, powers of attorney, and other legal or business documents.
Communicate professionally and independently with outside counsel, domestic and affiliate business partners, intellectual property offices, and other stakeholders with minimal attorney supervision.
Manage scheduling for IP Legal team activities, including meetings with attorneys, business partners, inventors, outside counsel, and other stakeholders; prepare agendas or materials as needed; and coordinate follow-up items.
Arrange and manage travel logistics for IP Legal team members, including transportation, lodging, itineraries, expense-related coordination, and changes to travel plans.
Proactively manage competing priorities, produce high-quality work product, and maintain accurate records in support of the IP Legal team’s work.
Participate in departmental initiatives, committees, projects, process improvements, and other activities that support the effectiveness of the DePuy IP Legal team.

Benefits

Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year (varies by state)
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year