Patent Attorney

Patent and Trademark Office • Alexandria, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

As part of its challenging, multi-faceted mission, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) is responsible for (a) registering attorneys and agents to practice patent law before the USPTO, (b) developing and administering the patent registration exam, (c) investigating allegations of misconduct by practitioners, (d) overseeing USPTO programs, (e) supporting Patents and Trademarks business units regarding anti-fraud initiatives, (f) federal administrative rulemaking, and (g) outreach. The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year.

Requirements

• Applicants will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
• Resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
• Must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• If selected, may be required to complete a two-year trial period.
• Must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
• Requires the completion of OF-450 Financial Disclosure.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must possess a degree in one of the scientific/engineering disciplines.
• Must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or Master of Laws (L.L.M) degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.
• Must be an active member of the Bar in Good Standing of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution.
• GS-14: Three (3) years post J.D. of professional legal experience.
• GS-15: Four (4) years post J.D. of professional legal experience.
• Experience prosecuting post-AIA patent cases and handling legal matters, preparing and trying cases, interpreting statutes, regulations, and other legal documents for legal sufficiency, and developing sound legal decisions and recommendations involving complex legal issues.
• Experience prosecuting substantial post-AIA patent cases as well as handling complex legal problems, preparing and trying cases, making statutory interpretations, preparing legal documents, reviewing documents for legal sufficiency, developing sound legal decisions and recommendations in the field in which little or no legal precedent has been established.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Screening registration applications of candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO in patent matters to determine if the candidate possesses the required scientific and technical training qualifications.
• Investigating the moral character and reputation of patent bar candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO.
• Preparing a nationwide examination of the candidate's proficiency in patent law and USPTO office regulations, policies, and procedures to be registered as a patent attorney or agent.
• Investigating, preparing, and presenting evidence of unethical conduct by registered attorneys and agents in the full range of highly technical and highly controversial disciplinary cases involving scientific, engineering, ethical, and legal considerations.
• Being intimately familiar with the specific policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of the USPTO, including all recent developments and initiatives, including those related to the prevention of patent and trademark fraud.
• Eliciting and evaluating evidence and testimony; and preparing letters, requests for information, formal complaints, and other documentation.
• Interviewing complainants, practitioners, and others having knowledge relevant to an investigation or disciplinary proceeding.
• Conducting outreach efforts to educate the public and patent and trademark practitioners on applicable professional standards and best practices.
• Developing rules, policies and procedures for the regulation of practitioners who practice law before the USPTO.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree