Docketing Specialist

Overview

As an integral part of the legal function, the Docketing Specialist’s responsibilities will focus on managing the docket system to track deadlines and support the U.S. and foreign docketing processes of the Legal Department and will also help support other areas of the business, as necessary. 

Specific Responsibilities

·       Work directly with Iovance’s in-house patent attorneys/agents/paralegals on a large international patent portfolio. 

·       Review all incoming/outgoing mail and filings for the patent department to determine due dates and/or reminder dates that need to be entered into the docketing database.

·       Route all docketing mail to the appropriate in-house counsel and paralegal.

·       Download electronic correspondence from USPTO database, foreign patent offices or from foreign agents and process all via Iovance’s patent database.

·       Proactively monitor due dates and responses.

·       Review outstanding/upcoming deadlines in patent database and consult with appropriate in-house attorney/paralegal.

·       Run daily docket reports as well as weekly and monthly docket reports.

·       Prepare miscellaneous docket reports for attorneys/agents/paralegals, as requested.

·       Follow-up on daily docket deadlines to ensure that all deadlines are satisfied.  Also, must inform attorneys/paralegals of critical day of, end of day or next day deadlines (keeping in mind any foreign/time difference deadlines).

·       Work collaboratively and communicate closely with in-house attorneys/agents and paralegals to maintain an accurate and up-to-date docket database.

·       Experience with navigating the USPTO database and experience with electronic filings via the USPTO and e-PCT.

·       Knowledge of USPTO Rules and guidelines.

·       Correspond with foreign agents on foreign patent matters.

·       Assist with annuity payments and U.S. maintenance fee payments, as necessary.

·       Assist with managing online file folders.

·       Assist with or directly perform a wide variety of legal formalities, including powers of attorney,

notarization, apostille, inventor’s oaths and assignments.

·       Assist with general office and administrative duties, as assigned.

·       Effectively manage the patent database and all of Iovance’s patent deadlines.

    Education and Qualifications

·       Paralegal certificate or equivalent professional experience

·       Knowledge of and experience with patent docket software

·       7 years of professional docketing experience

·       Technical experience with USPTO and International IP databases

·       Word processing experience (Microsoft Word, Adobe pdf tools, Excel)

·       Excellent oral and written communication skills

·       Specific attention to accuracy and detail and ability to prioritize

·       Ability to work well across multiple internal business groups

·       Ability to work well under pressure

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation.

Physical Demands and Activities Required

Must be able to remain in a stationary position standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.

·       Must be able to move about inside an office and exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

·       Must have visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer screen, and extensive reading.

·       This position requires repetitive motion, substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.

  ·       Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem-solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Work Environment:  This job operates in a professional or remote office environment and requires operating standard office equipment and keyboards.

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Iovance is committed to cultivating and offering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As an equal- opportunity employer, our employees and applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance or accommodation to apply to one of our opportunities, please contact careers@iovance.com.

By voluntarily providing information and clicking “Submit Application”, you explicitly consent to the collection and use of your personal information for the purposes described above and in our Candidate Privacy Notice. 

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