Senior Patent Specialist
About The Position
The Senior Patent Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Director of Patent Administration, is responsible for managing patent prosecution operations, docketing, and patent operations activities to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across a global IP portfolio. This role will fully support one or more assigned practice groups providing guidance, identifying operational risks, and driving continuous improvements across patent systems and workflows. This position will be responsible for handling incoming correspondence, maintaining docket accuracy, supporting domestic and foreign filing activities, managing formalities and signature requests, and coordinating with attorneys, agents, outside counsel, and foreign associates. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in patent administration within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or similar technical environment. This is a full-time, onsite position in Carlsbad, CA with a minimum of 4 days per week. Occasional extended hours may be required to support timeâsensitive filings and global deadlines.
Requirements
- High School or GED equivalent and minimum 7 years of experience in patent docketing, patent prosecution support, and/or patent operations, including experience with IP management systems.
- Strong knowledge of patent filing and administrative processes with the USPTO and WIPO.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and maintain highly accurate records.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
- Demonstrated ability to support all aspects of patent administration for a practice group while managing competing deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys, agents, outside counsel, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Notary public designation or willing to obtain.
- Comfortable using AI platforms and other technology tools to improve efficiency and organization.
Nice To Haves
- Prior pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience.
- Experience preparing and tracking IDS documents.
- Familiarity with patent formalities, assignments, annuities, and sequence listings.
- Experience with Foundation IP
- Experience with IPMS implementations/conversions
Responsibilities
- Timely review and processing of incoming correspondence from outside counsel, foreign associates, the USPTO, and other patent offices to ensure that all deadlines are properly captured.
- Accurately docket U.S. and foreign patent matters, including prosecution deadlines, maintenance fees, annuities, and formalities.
- Save and organize incoming correspondence in appropriate systems and records.
- Hold weekly docket meetings with assigned attorneys and agents to ensure clear and timely communication of all upcoming deadlines and update the docket accordingly.
- Coordinate US & Foreign allowance meetings with assigned attorneys and agents and record meeting outcomes.
- Track, prepare, and manage IDS documents.
- Prepare, file, and manage U.S. and international patent applications (including PCT and national phase filings) in collaboration with in-house counsel and outside counsel, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete submissions.
- Manage formal documents (e.g., POAs, assignments, declarations), obtaining signatures and filing or recording as needed.
- Create and maintain patent sequence listings.
- Manage asset transfers and monitor related license agreements.
- Initiate and assign publication clearance activities as needed.
- Monitor annuities and help ensure deadlines and maintenance requirements are met.
- Correspond with outside counsel and foreign associates regarding filing and response instructions.
- Identify and help implement process improvements and standardization across patent operations.
- Advanced knowledge with IP systems, supporting enhancements and data integrity.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to team members.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Ionis offers an excellent benefits package!
- Full Benefits Link: https://ionis.com/careers#:~:text=Highly competitive benefits
- The pay scale for this position is $121,411 to $155,868
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
