Patent Paralegal II

Finnegan•Reston, VA

10d•$70,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Patent Paralegal II assists the IP Operations team with administrative tasks, including preparing filings, managing deadlines, and drafting correspondence related to patent application filings. The role supports patent prosecution work, maintains databases and checklists, processes financial documents, and helps ensure accurate and timely electronic submissions. The Patent Paralegal II also mentors and supports Patent Paralegal I staff, keeps current on patent prosecution practices, and develops the skills needed to take on progressive responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of patent prosecution experience in a professional services or law firm environment; or, in lieu of a degree, at least five years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm environment.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of international and USPTO patent law rules, procedures, and requirements.
Ability to navigate the USPTO website and demonstrated knowledge of search tools for patent and trademark information.
Experience with USPTO electronic filing procedures.
Knowledge of patent prosecution concepts and ability to apply them to appropriate assignments.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including meeting platforms such as Teams and Zoom, and ability to learn the IP Operations department’s and firm’s systems and databases.
Advanced research skills and proficiency with research tools, including the Internet and government websites.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to exercise independent judgment, prioritize assignments, handle multiple projects simultaneously, manage a diverse workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Professionalism and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Prepare responses to USPTO notices and office actions, information disclosure statements, and issue and publication fees.
Review files and prepare Information Disclosure Statements for U.S. and international patent applications.
Prepare shell amendments for attorneys to use in preparing proposed responses to outstanding office actions.
Perform database input and maintenance.
Calculate Patent Term Adjustments.
Prepare and load USPTO forms for electronic filing, including designating document types and formats, selecting fee types, and ensuring fees are credited and paid.
Create and maintain Notice of Allowance checklists.
Submit Certificates of Correction and Priority Document requests.
Research and locate files as requested by staff and attorneys.
Accurately and promptly reconcile and process invoices and other financial documents in accordance with firm procedures.
Mentor, train, guide, and serve as a resource for Patent Paralegal I staff and other staff as needed.
Complete assigned core training, cross-training, skills assessments, and related development.
Use appropriate resources to stay current and maintain proficiency in patent prosecution practice areas.
Adopt new processes and technology as client demands evolve.
Complete and seek professional development training and experience, demonstrating the ability to assume progressive responsibilities as experience is gained.
Perform other duties as assigned.