Intellectual Property US Filing Specialist (Quality Control)

Direct Counsel is seeking a IP US Filing Specialists (Quality Control) to join the IP Practice Services team of a top ranked law firm.As the IP US Filing Specialist (Quality Control), you will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of US patent filings. This position involves Quality Control functions, along with providing full support to patent attorneys, agents, and clients in filing and maintaining US applications and patents.

Preferred Work Hours:

• 11a - 8p ET
• 10a - 7p CT
• 9a - 6p MT
• 8a - 5p PT

Position Responsibilities:

Quality Control (QC) Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with IP professional staff and patent practitioners to ensure accuracy in US patent filings.
• Complete Quality Control checklists to comply with the firm’s risk management directives and best practices.
• Prioritize and triage incoming US filings, communicating expected turnaround to the filing USFS and practitioners.

US Filing Specialist (USFS) Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with IP professional staff, patent practitioners, and clients on assigned US patent prosecution matters.
• Analyze correspondence from USPTO for docketing accuracy; forward all USPTO mail to the Client Team and provide timely reminders of upcoming dates.
• Prepare and review required documents for filing and manage all US patent prosecution filings.
• Handle substantive USPTO actions with input from the Responsible Attorney.
• Provide client support for portfolio management and respond to client inquiries.
• Maintain a working knowledge of US patent prosecution rules and recommend procedural modifications as needed.
• Review docket reports and provide detailed annotations related to upcoming dates daily.
• Complete administrative tasks, including maintaining client data rooms and responding to deadlines.

Requirements

Skills & Experience:

Required:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications.
• Availability for overtime as required.
• 3+ years of experience in an IP-related role.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Previous law firm experience.
• Direct responsibility for Quality Control functions associated with US patent filings.
• Experience researching IP status and history in PTO databases and other relevant systems.

Competencies:

• Customer service-oriented with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and under tight time constraints.
• Creative and entrepreneurial problem-solving approach.
• Flexibility to reprioritize with changes in the business.
• Strong initiative and a proactive attitude.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay range: $37.00 - $49.00 (final offer dependent on location, experience, and skillset).
• Full range of elective benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts.
• Firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short-term medical benefits, 20 days of PTO, and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits.