POSITION SUMMARY
The Patent Prosecution Paralegal is responsible for supporting attorneys and patent agents with the preparation, filing, and management of domestic and international patent applications. This role involves assisting with managing docketing, preparing legal documents, conducting trademark searches, managing maintenance fees, and ensuring timely responses to USPTO office actions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and skilled at multitasking to ensure that all deadlines are met while providing exceptional support to clients and legal professionals.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Thompson Patent Law (TPL) is an intellectual property boutique law firm that delivers Litigation Quality Patents. Our 20+ years of experience, thought leadership, and numerous proprietary patent processes give us an edge over conventional IP firms. We combine precision, passion and unparalleled legal expertise to ensure our client’s innovations are not only protected but positioned for maximum impact. We strive to help entrepreneurs and businesses get bulletproof patents. At TPL we don’t just protect ideas, we engineer them to maximize monetization for our clients. Our relentless pursuit of monetization ensures that our clients’ inventions are safeguarded with unmatched business value.
Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000. Compensation is determined based on skills, and experience. We offer competitive compensation aligned with industry standards for this role. As a tech-enabled law firm, the position is fully remote with a flexible schedule. Successful candidates in this role may also be eligible for performance-based incentive bonuses tied to results and demonstrated excellence.
Job Type: Full-time
Working Schedule: Regular business hours (Monday-Friday) (8:00am to 5:00pm Central Time Zone)
As Patent Prosecution Paralegal at TPL you will directly contribute to the success of our clients and firm through the following responsibilities:
Upholding our Core Values:
5-Star Concierge Service. Set an expectation and atmosphere of respect, abundance and growth.
Be a Problem-Solver. Don’t overlook what needs fixing. Seek to bring the start of a solution.
No Jerk Policy. We don’t tolerate those who are not both polite and kind.
Hand Your Problems Up. Spread praise around. Zero gossip.
Always Do Your Best! You can’t do better than that.
Make More Money. Have More Fun! No shame in #1 requirement for any business is to be profitable.
What We Offer To You:
Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect.
The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you.
A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development.
Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing.
Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work.
Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Regularly check for upcoming deadlines and actions in AppColl, USPTO and WIPO; ensure all deadlines are properly docketed and communicated to relevant parties.
Prepare, file, and submit patent applications and Office Action responses to the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign patent offices.
Send client notifications, reminders, and status updates related to patent and/or trademark filings and foreign office actions; ensure clear and timely communication.
Ensure all documents, including engagement letters and filing receipts, are saved to appropriate folders and systems (Dropbox, Notion, Clio, AppColl).
Prepare and file WIPO applications, Chapter II demands, and coordinate with foreign counsel on international patent filings.
Track client payments using Stripe, LawPay, and Clio; update billing systems and ensure that paid projects are recorded.
Regularly check deadlines and take necessary action to ensure compliance with patent office requirements.
Monitor and follow up on all Trust Requests, ensuring all timelines and instructions are adhered to.
Prepare portfolios and spreadsheets for client meetings; take notes, update project status, and track ongoing tasks in IP databases.
Prepare and submit assignments, Power of Attorneys (POAs), and declarations, ensuring accuracy and timely filing.
Schedule client meetings, send meeting requests, and track follow-up items from client calls and interactions; monitoring communications channels.
Enter prior art into AppColl, generate Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), and file with the USPTO.
Review and forward filing receipts to clients; prepare and file corrected receipts as needed.
Monitor and promply process and respond to incoming client communications by email, phone, SMS or other inbound communication channels and ensure proper handling, filing and docketing.
Work with attorneys, paralegals, examiners, and clients to prosecute patent applications.
Ensure that all meeting notes, client instructions, and project updates are accurately entered into firm databases (AppColl, Notion, DropBox, Clio).
Perform other related duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES:
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, ensuring that USPTO filings, responses, and communications are completed on time.
Ensure accuracy in filing, docketing, and entering client and case information, minimizing errors in legal documentation.
Proficient in managing docketing systems like AppColl and tracking important deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with clients, attorneys, and patent office staff professionally.
Familiarity with patent filing systems such as USPTO PatentCenter, WIPO, and trademark filings.
Ability to monitor payments and billing, ensuring that client projects are accurately tracked for financial purposes.
Dedicated to providing exceptional service, including timely client follow-ups, clear communication, and detailed project tracking.
Skill in drafting and preparing legal documents such as Office Action responses, assignments, and declarations.
Ability to work closely with attorneys, patent agents, and support staff, maintaining a smooth workflow.
Capability to perform legal and prior art research to support patent filings and prosecution efforts.
Proficiency in managing firm databases (e.g., Notion, Clio, Dropbox) and ensuring all client and case information is up to date.
Ability to anticipate issues, take initiative in solving problems, and address potential delays before they occur.
Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.
Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of client information and sensitive case materials.
Uphold the firm’s standards of conduct in all interactions, both internal and external, representing the firm with integrity.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certification is preferred.
Minimum of 2-4 years of experience working as a patent prosecution paralegal in a law firm or corporate legal department. Trademark prosecution experience helpful.
Experience with patent docketing software (e.g., AppColl), patent office filings (USPTO, WIPO), and international patent filings is required.
Experience with trademark searches, filings, docketing and intellectual property management systems is preferred.
Strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures related to patent prosecution.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint), Adobe Acrobat, and IP database systems (preferably Notion, AppColl, Clio, LawPay, Stripe)
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Frequent communication via phone, email, and video conference.
Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Minimal physical exertion, but the role requires sustained concentration on complex tasks.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
BENEFITS:
We value our team as our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal growth:
Work-Life Balance: Remote work from anywhere in the U.S.(Preference given to candidates located in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Texas), allowing you the flexibility to manage your personal and professional life effectively.
Health Insurance (Medical, Dental and Vision)
Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
A competitive salary
Additional Application Material:
After submitting your application, please send a follow-up email to [email protected]. In the subject line, include the position you are applying for, your last name spelled backwards, and your favorite color. Please attach a short video (no longer than 2 minutes) explaining why you would be a good fit for the position.
You can create a video from a mobile device and attach a file to your email, or you can go to https://loom.com/ to create and send your video.
We are excited to see your enthusiasm and understand your unique perspective.
Next Steps:
After applying, qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial 10-minute phone screening followed by a potential virtual Microsoft Teams interview.
Please do not send any confidential information with your application (Social Security, Driver’s License, etc.). We do not request this information unless we make a formal employment offer.
We appreciate your time and look forward to reviewing your resume—and your video!
Equal Opportunity Employer:
ATeamPlayersOnly is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Patent Prosecution Paralegal
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