Patent Paralegal

Johnson & Johnson • West Chester, PA

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

DePuy Synthes is recruiting for a Patent Paralegal, located in West Chester , PA. Each Patent Paralegal supports DePuy Synthes’ Intellectual Property Legal team by managing day‑to‑day patent prosecution and portfolio administration activities. This role plays a critical part in protecting the company’s innovations by ensuring accurate , timely , and compliant handling of global patent filings and related documentation. The position offers meaningful exposure to global IP operations within a leading medical device organization and the opportunity to collaborate closely with in-house attorneys, other paralegals, business partners, and external counsel.

Requirements

• 8–10 years of experience supporting patent prosecution or intellectual property legal work.
• Experience supporting U.S. and international patent filings, including possessing knowledge of U.S. and international patent procedures and documentation requirements.
• Experience using IP docketing and document management systems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines accurately.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, other paralegals, business partners, and external counsel.
• English proficiency.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in a medical device, life sciences, or regulated industry environment.
• Familiarity with patent maintenance and annuity processes.
• Understanding of intellectual property compliance and record‑keeping best practices.
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and manage U.S. and international patent prosecution documents, including applications, responses, and formalities.
• Coordinate with patent attorneys, inventors, and outside counsel to support timely prosecution and maintenance of patent assets.
• Monitor and ensure accuracy of patent deadlines and records and follow up on required actions to ensure compliance with global IP requirements.
• Assist with preparation and submission of invention disclosures and related documentation.
• Support IP portfolio reporting, audits, and data requests as needed.
• Handle correspondence with patent offices and external service providers.
• Collaborate with patent attorneys and other paralegals to maintain and update patent practice procedures and policies for DePuy Synthes.
• Apply company policies in all daily interactions and work activities.

Benefits

• Vacation –120 hours per calendar year
• Sick time - 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado –48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington –56 hours per calendar year
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays –13 days per calendar year
• Work, Personal and Family Time - up to 40 hours per calendar year
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member: 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
• Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree