Patent Agent or Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Associate (Engineering)

Choate Hall & Stewart LLP • Boston, MA

116d

About The Position

For over 40 years, Choate has advised life sciences and tech companies, investors, and top universities on global patent portfolios, life cycle strategies, patent validity, infringement, and due diligence. We offer deep expertise to optimize IP strategies for startups, corporations, and research institutions. Our technical knowledge and industry experience enable us to craft innovative, business-focused patent solutions that drive commercial success. Clients benefit from partner-led service, true collaboration, and a dynamic culture that transforms science into commercially successful products.

Requirements

• 2-5 years of experience as a patent agent or patent associate.
• Prior firm experience and registration with the USPTO.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred; will consider a master's degree with substantial industry experience); strong technical background in engineering.
• An excellent academic record and superior organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
• A demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service and a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on IP.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drafting patent applications.
• Prosecuting patent applications in the US (including replies to Office actions, examiner interviews, and appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board) and directing prosecution worldwide.
• Conducting freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Conducting IP landscape analyses.
• Conducting IP due diligence in the context of an asset purchase or securities offering.
• Conducting invalidity and non-infringement analyses.
• Counseling clients on prosecution strategy.
• Surveilling competitor patent applications and filing observations at the US Patent Office.
• Assisting with contested cases at the US Patent Office (e.g., inter partes review, post-grant review) or in US district court.
• Assisting with agreements (e.g., for licenses, research collaborations, research services).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees