Paralegal - Intellectual Property

State Farm•Bloomington, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most. This posting is for a position within the Intellectual Property (IP) Section of the State Farm Corporate Law Department assisting attorneys who manage patent, trademark and copyright portfolios, provide IP counseling, and manage IP litigation. This individual will regularly interact with outside counsel, and both executive and non-executive clients in business areas throughout the Enterprise.

Requirements

Paralegal degree/certificate (or equivalent education) and 3+ years IP experience.
Deep understanding of patent/trademark filing lifecycles, including hands-on experience preparing/filing new applications (U.S. and foreign), drafting Office Action responses, and managing certain filings (e.g., patent Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), trademark Statements of use, and the like.
Proven ability to monitor, maintain, and clear complex docketing deadlines.
Demonstrated proficiency with USPTO electronic systems, including EFS-Web, Patent Center, and TEAS.
Proficiency navigating the Copyright Office website and registration system.
Familiarity with common IP and legal docketing tools (e.g. FoundationIP, Anaqua, CPI, etc).
Experience performing IP risk reviews/clearance for business or marketing content, identifying potential trademark/copyright issues, and flagging matters for attorney review.
Must comply with state paralegal codes (if applicable) and the Code of Professional Responsibility governing lawyer conduct and must strictly observe the department's confidential relationship with the client/employer.

Nice To Haves

Significant attention to detail; strong critical thinking skills and judgment.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
Experience working in high-volume docket/prosecution environments.
Experience collaborating with prosecution teams and managing outside counsel requests.
Awareness and use of AI/GenAI tools.

Responsibilities

Assist counsel with drafting and preparation of patent, trademark, and copyright filings, responses, and other legal documents.
Review marketing and business-area content (e.g., product names, taglines, copy, imagery, packaging, and web content) to identify potential IP issues and recommend next steps for attorney review.
Monitor and evaluate trademark watch and clearance/infringement alert services; triage issues and provide timely summaries of potential risks and deadlines for attorney review.
Draft cease and desist letters for infringement matters under attorney direction/supervision.
Support UDRP matters, including domain/registrant research, assembling documentary evidence, drafting factual/procedural materials, and tracking deadlines for filings and responses.
Conduct legal and factual research and prepare written summaries/analysis for attorney review.
Respond to inquiries from internal departments and external associates.
Use IP docketing and case management systems (e.g., FoundationIP/Anaqua) and USPTO filing portals to manage matters and deadlines.
May involve travel to job-related activities via driving a motor vehicle or by commercial transportation.
Maintains paralegal competency by participation in continuing education programs.
May work irregular hours, including weekends/holidays.

Benefits

Compensation is based on a standard 38:45-hour work week
Potential starting salary range: $54,000 - $100,000
Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
Potential yearly incentive pay up to 15% of base salary
Annual raise and bonus
Robust health and wellbeing programs
State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium
Multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan
All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care
Access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals
Educational benefits like industry leading training programs
Top-notch tuition assistance programs
Employee resource groups
Mentoring
Fertility/IVF/adoption assistance
College coaching
National discount programs
Interactive monthly financial workshops
Free financial coaching
State Farm Federal Credit Union
Generous time off policies
Opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually
Parental leave
Paid holidays
Celebration day
Life leave (40 hours/year)
Bereavement leave
Community service/education support days
Matching Gift Program
Good Neighbor Grant Program
Employee Assistance Fund
Free financial advisors
401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary