Patent Agent (Molecular Biology)

DLA Piper•San Diego, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking a Patent Agent to join its Patent Development and Strategy Group. The role may be based in the firm’s Boston, Philadelphia, DC, San Diego, or Palo Alto office. The successful candidate will have experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications and a degree in molecular biology or a related scientific discipline. Candidates with litigation, opinion, licensing, patent due diligence, and/or patent prosecution experience are preferred. All candidates must be registered with the USPTO. The role includes drafting patent applications and responses to USPTO office actions, working with attorneys on patent preparation and prosecution, and coordinating with foreign patent agents. The Patent Agent will maintain an understanding of products and technical developments; conduct patentability studies and prepare related assessments; and provide technical support for opinions, diligence projects, and litigation. This is primarily sedentary work, with occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The work involves extended periods of sitting, occasional walking and standing, and occasional domestic and international travel. A hybrid arrangement combining remote and in-office work may be available; the specific arrangement will be determined at hiring and may be changed at the firm’s discretion. The expected hiring range is $120,000–$225,000 per year, depending on geographic market and candidate qualifications. DLA Piper offers medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k).

Requirements

3–5 years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications.
A degree in molecular biology or a related scientific discipline.
Registration with the USPTO.
Excellent communication and research skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and excellent analytical skills.
Ability to understand and resolve complex issues and situations.
Submit a resume and writing samples: at least one application to the USPTO and at least one response to the USPTO in each of the chemical and electrical or mechanical arts.

Nice To Haves

Experience in litigation, opinions, licensing, patent due diligence, and/or patent prosecution.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Draft patent applications.
Draft responses to USPTO office actions.
Work closely with attorneys on patent preparation and prosecution.
Draft instructions to foreign patent agents in response to office actions.
Maintain a detailed understanding of products and technical developments.
Conduct patentability studies and draft related assessments.
Provide technical support for opinions, diligence projects, and litigation.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Communicate effectively with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence efficiently, timely, and professionally.
Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and maintain high standards.
Comply with firm policies and procedures.
Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.