IP Paralegal

Aptar Group•Crystal Lake, IL

8d•$65,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal supports Aptar’s global intellectual property operations by providing high-quality administrative, operational, docketing, and technical support across patent and broader IP activities. This role enables efficient portfolio management, strengthens data integrity, and improves coordination between internal stakeholders and external counsel—contributing directly to risk management, cost optimization, and effective IP governance. The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal is responsible for assisting IP attorneys, patent agents, and other authorized IP professionals, under their direction, in the protection, maintenance, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field
3–7 years of experience as a Paralegal, preferably in intellectual property
Experience supporting patent prosecution and/or IP portfolio management
Familiarity with global IP processes, docketing practices, and deadlines
Exposure to business administration or legal operations processes
Background or familiarity with science, engineering, or technical disciplines (particularly relevant for patent-heavy environments)
Working understanding of IP laws and regulations and ability to conduct preliminary factual/procedural research and escalate complex legal issues to the appropriate IP attorney, patent agent, or other authorized IP professional.
Solid understanding of patent lifecycle processes (filing, prosecution, foreign filings, renewals, annuities)
Familiarity with IP documentation and formalities (applications, office actions, assignments, declarations, correspondence)
Basic knowledge of global IP systems and jurisdictions
Ability to support IP risk tracking (e.g., deadlines, filings, portfolio status)
Experience using IP management/docketing systems
Strong capability in data accuracy, tracking, and reporting
Ability to manage high-volume deadlines with precision
Clear, professional written communication (emails, formal correspondence, status reports)
Ability to work cross-functionally with Legal, R&D, and Innovation teams
Strong interpersonal skills to manage global stakeholder interactions
Ability to translate technical/IP information into clear, practical summaries for IP attorneys, patent agents, other authorized IP professionals, and internal stakeholders.
Limited travel, as needed
Ability to work remotely with minimal supervision

Nice To Haves

Paralegal certification preferred (e.g., NALA, NFPA, or equivalent)
Coursework or exposure to Intellectual Property (IP), Patents, or Technology Law

Responsibilities

Conduct factual/procedural research, prepare IP-related documents under the supervision or direction of IP attorneys, patent agents, or other authorized IP professionals, and track IP matters.
Day-to-day operational support for Aptar’s global IP portfolio (patents, patent applications, associated filings, deadlines, renewals, and ownership records)
Administrative and process support aligned with Group IP governance and standards
Coordination with internal stakeholders (Legal, R&D, Innovation) and external law firms
Data management, docketing, reporting, and tracking of IP assets