Legal Assistant - Intellectual Property (IP)

Lippes Mathias LLP•Jacksonville, FL

3d•$28 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

Lippes Mathias is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Legal Assistant/Paralegal to join their Intellectual Property Law Group. This role provides critical support to attorneys handling patent and trademark matters throughout all stages of prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. The ideal candidate will have hands-on IP experience and excel in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision and timeliness are paramount.

Requirements

Associate's degree or bachelor's degree required; paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred
3+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably in intellectual property law (patent and/or trademark prosecution)
Proficiency in Office365, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Familiarity with USPTO filing systems, including EFS-Web/Patent Center and TEAS/TEASi
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Professional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Nice To Haves

Experience with IP docketing software (e.g., CPi, Foundation IP, or similar platforms) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare, file, and manage patent and trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including responses to office actions, declarations, and assignments
US/PCT/Foreign application preparation/filing (USPTO, ePCT, foreign counsel)
Monitor and docket all incoming communications, as appropriate
Monitor and maintain patent and trademark docketing calendars to ensure all deadlines and statutory due dates are met
Conduct trademark searches and assist with clearance analyses
Draft and proofread correspondence, legal documents, and filings related to IP prosecution matters
Coordinate with foreign associates and agents on international patent and trademark filings
Maintain organized electronic and physical files for all IP matters
Assist attorneys with preparation of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS) and prior art references
Track renewal and maintenance fee deadlines for patents and trademark registrations
Communicate with clients, the USPTO, and other parties regarding case status and filing requirements
Prepare office action shells, related documents (RCEs, Terminal Disclaimers, AFCPs, etc.) and file responses
Prepare response shells to notices regarding: formalities/insufficiencies/defects and related documents (Communications to IB, USPTO, replacement figures) and file responses (USPTO/ePCT)
Prepare information disclosure statements, review of cross-related families for art citations as needed
Prepare formal documents/chain of title; file/record
Support attorneys with IP due diligence, litigation holds, and special projects as needed