Patent Agent

ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Patent Agent to support the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) in Alexandria, Virginia. Your scope of work involves providing expert guidance on patent examination policies, conducting legal analysis, drafting key regulatory documents, ensuring procedural accuracy in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedures (MPEP), and delivering training on patent law updates.

This is a full-time opportunity in which we'll provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, job stability, and security.

Apply today!

RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Policy Development

• Assist in the development and implementation of laws such as those enacted for the America Invents Act
• Help formulate accompanying rules to support newly developed laws and regulations
• Recommend changes to patent rules and procedures based on legal and policy updates
• Work with USPTO legal advisors to address inquiries and collaborate on practice changes
• Serve as a liaison between legal advisors, affected Technology Centers, and business areas

II. Research

• Research legal issues related to the implementation of new regulations and patent policies
• Draft memoranda of law based on research findings and policy requests
• Analyze legal questions, including issues of first impression and complex factual matters
• Evaluate options and potential outcomes and communicate findings to stakeholders
• Review and provide comments on operational protocols, governance, reporting, documentation, and audit process

III. Petitions

• Draft petition decisions establishing new USPTO policies that may be litigated
• Assist in the preparation of decisions on Pre-Grant petitions concerning Pre-Grant Publication
• Advise OPLA on disputes arising from Pre-Grant petitions and patent-related agreements

IV. MPEP Updates

• Review and recommend revisions to the Manual of Patent Examining Procedures (MPEP)
• Assist in developing user manuals, procedure guides, and training materials related to patent policy
• Help manage updates to forms used by patent examiners and the public to reflect policy changes

V. Training

• Coordinate and develop training sessions on policy changes for USPTO personnel, patent applicants, and practitioners
• Deliver training through webinars, video conferences, or in-person lectures for patent examiners

VI. Compliance

• Participate in projects to ensure milestones are met and contract deadlines are achieved
• Complete mandatory USPTO training via WebEx or in person within designated work hours

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Expert knowledge of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedures (MPEP)
• Ability to draft new patent examine regulations and practices
• Ability to draft petition decision
• Ability to research and draft memoranda of law
• Ability to develop training materials
• Ability to present lectures on Patent Legal topics (e.g., patent policy, etc.)
• Ability to explain complex legal and policy matters
• Excellent time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills

BACKGROUND

• Experience in patent law administration, regulatory policy, and/or legal advisory roles
• Experience in the review, analysis, and dissemination of patent examination policy
• Experience using video conferencing tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Team-oriented, adaptable, detail-focused, and organized
• Analytical mindset

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Graduate degree in a related field preferred

LOCATION

• Alexandria, VA 22314

TELEWORK

• May be available

CLEARANCE

• U.S. citizenship is required as it supports the U.S. federal government

CLIENT

• Department of Commerce (DOC)

TRAVEL

• Travel is not required

WORK HOURS

• 40 hours per week
• 8 hours a day

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Employment Classification Eligibility — Exempt

RELOCATION

• Not eligible for relocation benefits

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KMRG, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital or civil partnership status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, maternity status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic information, traits historically associated with race, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law.

Other Considerations. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 100% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 100% of the time.