Patent Prosecution Clerk

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Ottawa seeks a Patent Prosecution Clerk with 2–3 years of experience in foreign patent workflows, including U.S. and PCT processes. The role supports docketing, filing and communications for clients and legal professionals.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement primarily in-office with remote flexibility up to 1 day per week and a compensation range of $60,000–$80,000 CAD per year.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or diploma in business administration, law clerk or similar would be an asset.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and on‑the‑job experience will be acceptable.
• Experience with foreign patent workflow (U.S. patents, PCT) is preferred (2–3 years).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and email/communications tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain docketing, reminders and bring-forward systems for foreign patent prosecution deadlines.
• Open records, data entry and review in IP database (Inprotech).
• File U.S. provisional and PCT patent applications via online platforms.
• Coordinate filing of foreign patent applications through foreign associates.
• Communicate with USPTO, WIPO and foreign associates on status and prosecution matters.
• Draft correspondence, letters and memos for review by a legal professional.
• Communicate with clients regarding routine matters and updates.
• Administer formality requirements and assist with invoicing workflows.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Client service

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Education

Undergraduate degree or diploma in business admin or law clerk

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to further your career or carve out a new path.

We are seeking a Patent Prosecution Clerk to join our leading and growing Intellectual Property Department in our Ottawa office. This full-time position is open to candidates with prior knowledge and understanding of foreign patent workflow and processes (including but not limited to U.S. patents, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) International patents). Seeking candidates with at least 2-3 years of hands‑on experience.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Responsibilities

• Maintain docketing, reminder, and bring-forward systems to track foreign patent prosecution deadlines and ensure timely follow‑up by legal professionals
• Open records, data entry and review in IP database (Inprotech)
• File U.S. provisional and PCT International patent applications using their online filing platforms
• Coordinate the filing of foreign patent applications through foreign associates
• Communicate directly with U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO), and foreign associates on behalf of clients and legal professionals regarding status, maintenance and advancement of patent examination and prosecution
• Draft correspondence, letters, and memos for review by a legal professional
• Communicate directly with clients such as reporting routine matters
• Administering formality requirements
• Coordinate and track the approval and payment of foreign associate invoices
• Facilitate the entering of tariffs and government fees into our billing system
• Review of pre‑bills, including routing of pre‑bills to legal professionals for approval
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

An undergraduate degree or diploma in business administration, law clerk or similar would be an asset. However, an equivalent combination of education, training and on‑the‑job experience will be acceptable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to obtain, clarify, present, and discuss information pertinent to assignment in a clear and concise manner
• Proficient in Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Accuracy of work product and excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and client service skills
• Ability to multi‑task and prioritize
• Advanced organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Teamwork skills to interact/collaborate with various group members; partnered with ability to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of information

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 1 day per week.

Compensation

Therange of expected compensation for this position is $ 60,000 - $ 80,000 annually. Compensation offered will be based on a variety of factors including job-related knowledge, education, skills and experience.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

Please note that we use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for the position.