Lead Patent Agent

Coherent Corp. is seeking a Patent agent in their intellectual property practice, reporting to the Corporate Legal and Compliance Department.  The IP practice supports all of the company’s research and development sites and technical business units.  Coherent is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of lasers, optics, materials, and optical networking products, and a leading provider of technical solutions to these industries.  Coherent has a substantial manufacturing, research, and development presence in the US, Europe, and Asia.  The growth of the company and its patent operations creates a unique opportunity for a patent agent.  Coherent inventions typically fall within the optical, mechanical, electrical, firmware, material processing, metrological, and material science arts.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications directed to datacom, telecom, and optical-networking inventions.
• Collaborate with inventors and management to identify and distill novel inventions that have commercial value.
• Assess invention disclosures for patentability and business value.
• Conduct prior-art searches to identify relevant references and evaluate patentability.
• Draft original patent applications. 
• Manage patent prosecution in the US and other jurisdictions, including drafting arguments and claim amendments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of IP policies and patenting strategies in accordance with Coherent’s business goals and technologies.
• Collaborate with a small team of in-house and external counsel to protect Coherent inventions, ensure alignment with the company’s IP policies and patenting strategies, and manage the company’s IP portfolio.
• Provide IP-related guidance and assistance, including determining the state of the art and conducting freedom-to-operate analysis.
• Stay current with changes in patent law and industry trends to maintain strong patent protection and competitive advantage.
• Perform other IP related duties as assigned, such as supporting IP litigation and licensing matters.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or a related science discipline and 5 Years’ experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the datacom, telecom, or optical networking arts, or
• MS Degree in physics, engineering, or a related scientific discipline and 3 Years’s experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the datacom, telecom, or optical networking arts.
• USPTO Registration required.
• Direct experience or a working knowledge of optical technology, photonics devices, materials technology, or optical networking equipment is an advantage.

Skills

• Attention to technical and administrative detail.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Ability to understand both the legal and technical aspects of the patent process.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to achieve goals and objectives. 

Working Conditions

• Ability to work full-time during core business hours in a remote (home-office) or in-office setting at a Coherent site.
• Ability to work extended hours (early morning, evening, or weekend), when necessary
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, when necessary

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for an 8-hour shift. 

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.