Patent Attorney

Patent and Trademark Office • Alexandria, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Office of Policy and International Affairs, OPIA, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The incumbent of this position serves as an international and legislative expert in the field of intellectual property protection in the areas of patent, industrial design, and related laws. 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 job-related competencies.
• Must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Suitable for Federal employment.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Possess a degree in one of the scientific/engineering disciplines (Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology).
• Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or Master of Laws (L.L.M) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Active bar membership of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution.
• GS-14: At least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-13 grade level in the Federal service in the following: Experience consulting with various stakeholders to identify their positions on domestic and international developments; AND Experience serving as an international and legislative expert in the field of intellectual property protection in areas of patent, industrial design, and related laws; AND Experience developing policies on matters related to intellectual property. AND Professional Law/legal experience, post J.D. is defined as: Professional legal/law experience that has equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
• GS-15: At least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower GS-14 grade level in the Federal service in the following: Experience developing U.S. and/or International patent policy; AND Experience interacting with foreign and international intellectual property offices and/or organizations; AND Experience negotiating on behalf of clients or the U.S. government in an international setting, foreign forum or international tribunal. AND Professional Law/legal experience, post J.D. is defined as: Professional legal/law experience that has equipped the applicants with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.

Nice To Haves

• If selected, may be required to complete a two-year trial period.
• If selected, may be required to complete the Fair Credit Act Memo, which gives consent so that one or more consumer credit reports may be obtained for employment purposes.
• 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

• Develop policies for the United States Government on matters relating to intellectual property that arise in international organizations, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation, the Organization of American States, and various other multilateral bodies concerned with intellectual property rights.
• Develop legislative proposals on a variety of patent, industrial design, and unfair competition-related issues, as well as drafting legislation necessary to implement any treaty or agreement to which the United States desires to become a party.
• Conduct thorough studies and analysis of potential international agreements to determine positions for the United States Government and the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Negotiate international agreements with other intellectual property offices.

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: Senior