Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

We are seeking an Patent Prosecution Paralegal to join the Seattle office. The Patent paralegal must have experience with design patents. Candidates must be self-starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Experience in conducting comprehensive searches in USPTO databases

Knowledge in a variety of foreign prosecution-related tasks such as preparation and filing of PCT applications and all associated non-U.S. prosecution filings

• Enter national and regional stage and all associated formality requirements specific to each country
• Prepare and send necessary communications directly to foreign associates in order to manage and maintain foreign prosecution matters
• Report mail associated with design patents to the client
• Report, issue, and docket in own Outlook calendar soft deadlines (deadlines to provide client recommendation) when reporting foreign mail with a deadline
• Send reminders to attorneys related to soft deadlines
• Review daily docket and deadlines
• Use patent analytical software to research and compile worldwide patent portfolio data
• Order documents, file histories, certified copies, etc.
• Experience in Preparing, reviewing and filing PTO communications including, but not limited to, new applications; Office Action responses, Information Disclosure Statements, assignments and related ownership transfers, and the like
• Review daily docket and deadlines
• Order documents, file histories, certified copies, etc.
• Maintain current knowledge of IP rules and procedures
• Maintain current knowledge of all foreign IP rules and procedures
• Assist in other duties/special projects as assigned by supervisor or requested by lawyers

• In Outlook, manage inbox (creating folders), manage calendar, set-up meetings electronically, manage contacts, work and search in the firm’s document management system and understand and set-up distribution lists •

• Assist other Patent Specialists and Paralegals with overflow work and provide backup support during vacations, leaves of absence, etc.

EXPERIENCE SKILLS REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred • Knowledge and understanding of Intellectual Property basic legal terminology • Ability to concentrate for lengthy periods of time while maintaining a focus on detail • Ability to handle multiple tasks and routine responsibilities on a daily basis and a willingness to make judgment decisions • Ability to balance the initiative with level of knowledge, a willingness to follow instructions and the responsibility of bringing any problems, concerns, or discrepancies to the attention of the supervising attorney or paralegal • Ability to communicate effectively with a varied audience, including all levels of firm members, vendors, clients, and other outside interested parties

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Must be able communicate and interact effectively with employees and/or other clients • Effectively manage and communicates confidential issues • This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend, and stand on a stool may also be required.

Compensatin Salary $73,000 - $122,000

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

ABOUT THE FIRM

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

BENEFITS

K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.