IP Paralegal

W. R. Grace & Co.•Columbia, MD

22h•$72,013 - $99,018

About The Position

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide. W.R. Grace (“Grace”) is looking for a seasoned IP paralegal to primarily support Grace’s business segments in protecting the intellectual property related to catalysts and silica-based materials in conjunction with the Assistant General Counsel, IP for Grace. This role reports to the Assistant General Counsel, IP. The ideal candidate will have proven ability to independently shoulder the following responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal certificate
5+ years of experience as a patent paralegal or IP Specialist at a law firm or company
Database, Web/Search, and Computer Skills (e.g., www.uspto.gov, PAIR)
Microsoft® Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe® Acrobat
Outlook and Teams
Close attention to detail
Independent and collaborative work ethic
Excellent organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Flexibility when handling multiple projects required
Approachable and positive attitude

Nice To Haves

Chemistry background with experience in conducting prior art searches.
Experience with CPI
Trademark experience
Managing and creating Power BI interactive dashboards.

Responsibilities

Manage patent and trademark prosecution dockets including tracking docket dates to ensure outside counsel is timely meeting docket due dates.
Manage and oversee CPI under attorney supervision in order to properly maintain files for matters handled by outside and in-house counsel.
Assist in routine matters that do not require direct in-house attorney assistance or instruction.
Provide guidance on patent maintenance decisions, requests for examinations, information disclosure statements, use of PAIR, and the like.
Serve as liaison between Outside Counsel and Grace Technical/ Business Personnel.
Manage correspondence and prepare declarations, powers of attorney, agreements, foreign filing instructions, and the like for execution of Grace’s technical and business personnel.
Communicate between patent attorneys, business segment managers and inventors, such as memoranda concerning filing confirmation, IDS submissions, office actions, allowances, and the like.
Support agreement work (including confidentiality, research, testing, and joint development agreements)
Support IP Department with other activities such as prior art searching/ acquisition activities (due diligence).