Intellectual Property (IP) Patent Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description:

Our client is a premier business law firm, based in Michigan with an international practice and recently recognized in Michigan as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Places to Work. We are seeking an Intellectual Property Patent Paralegal/Specialist to provide legal support on a variety of tasks focused on patent matters, including gathering of preliminary technical information for patent assessment, monitoring deadlines for various domestic and foreign patent activities, and handling routine activities in connection with the maintenance and protection of domestic and foreign patents. The person will also assist with the docketing of U.S. and foreign patent matters, including patents, license agreements, and related contested matters.

Additional Information:

• Looking to fill this role in Kalamazoo, MI; Ann Arbor, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Lansing, MI; Grand Rapids, MI; Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C. offices.
• Hybrid/4 days in office for the first 6 months. 3 days in the office, 2 days at home is standard firm policy.

Responsiblities:

• Coordinates domestic and international filings with the USPTO and foreign law offices and/or other foreign entities.
• Maintains docket system of due dates for actions including responses, renewals, oppositions, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) requirements and payment of patent annuities in foreign countries.
• Prepares and files various documents with the USPTO or foreign counsel.
• Prepares and records assignments.
• Prepares correspondence to clients.
• Prepares status summary reports for attorneys and clients.
• Reviews and takes action on correspondence received from foreign associates.
• Obtains legalizations and certifications.
• Research and compile information pertaining to national and international patent rights including searches of USPTO records, industry databases and general legal research.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required and Paralegal Certification preferred.
• At least five years of IP Patent experience required.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with U.S. and foreign patent work (prosecution, maintenance and renewals).
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and the ability to work with Innovation, PATTSY, Lexis/Nexis, and other research databases.
• Must be a problem solver, willing to work and think with independence, handle confidential information with discretion, and accept responsibility for producing work that is consistently complete and accurate.
• Exceptional organizational skills, highly versatile and adaptable and able to multi-task in a pressured environment.
• Ability to handle a high volume of work and work through projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Excellent work ethic and a commitment to professionalism.
• Willingness to learn and use new research materials and practice tools.

Our Client’s Benefits:

• Medical coverage:
  • Comprehensive medical plan options are available: HDHP, HMO, or PPO.
  • Option to receive a monthly stipend for waiving medical coverage.
  • Health savings account option available to those who enroll in HDHP.
• Dental coverage:
  • Firm-paid monthly premium for comprehensive dental coverage for employee and eligible family members.
  • No age limit on orthodontic coverage.
• Optical coverage:
  • Firm-paid monthly premium for comprehensive optical coverage for employee and eligible family members.
• Wellbeing:
  • Student loan debt refinancing through Sofi and CommonBond.
  • Mortgage loans and refinancing through Rocket Mortgage, LLC.
  • CPR/AED training.
  • Employee Assistance Program (including free Travel Assistance).
  • Homethrive Caregiving Assistance Program
  • TOOTRiS Childcare Sourcing Program
• 401(k):
  • Firm-paid matching contribution of 25% on the first 5% of compensation contributed; immediate 100% vesting in matching contributions.
  • Employee may contribute up to 50% of annual compensation, subject to the IRS limits and participation may start as early as 3 months after hire.
  • Plan permits Roth contributions, after-tax contributions, and hardship distributions.
• Profit Sharing:
  • Firm-paid annual contribution of 5% of compensation into your retirement account; immediate 100% vesting in profit sharing contributions.
  • 1 year waiting period waived for business professionals with 10 years’ legal industry experience.
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D):
  • Firm-paid premium for Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance coverage.
  • Supplemental life insurance, supplemental AD&D insurance, and dependent life insurance available at an additional cost.
• Disability Income Protection:
  • Firm-paid premium for disability coverage.
  • Advantageous option to pay tax on the Firm-paid premium for a tax-free benefit.
  • Disability benefit is 60% of base earnings.
• Reimbursement Programs:
  • Fitness reimbursement for fitness improvement programs or the purchase of fitness equipment.
  • Transportation allowance offered to employees who work in offices where they must pay to park.
  • Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,500 annually for eligible tuition costs.
• Voluntary Benefits:
  • Flexible spending accounts for both health care and dependent care
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Accident Plan Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
• Discounts:
  • A wide variety of discounts are offered through Firm clients and vendors, such as:
    • Travel and entertainment
    • Computer purchases
    • Mobile device services
    • Vehicle purchases (GM, Ford, and Volkswagen)
• Paid Time Off:
  • Generous paid time off All Purpose Leave (APL) program
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid parental, bereavement, and jury duty leave.
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid time off for Firm sponsored community service event(s).
• Rewards & Recognition:
  • Competitive compensation program
  • Performance-based bonus opportunity
  • Anniversary gift program, S.T.A.R. awards, annual business professional appreciation celebration, new baby, marriage, and employee birthday recognition, on-site celebrations of milestone events, holidays, and more!
• Community Involvement:
  • The Firm supports and sponsors many community involvement events, e.g., Chapter One Volunteer Tutoring program and the Client Annual Day of Service.

Company DescriptionPowerwell is a leading recruitment firm helping our clients discover top talent.

Company Description

Powerwell is a leading recruitment firm helping our clients discover top talent.