AI Patent Strategist: Draft & Protect ML Platform IP

Hark; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Hark is seeking a Patent Agent to build the software side of our patent portfolio from the ground up. You will own drafting and prosecution across models, inference systems, and platform software, shaping how we protect research as it advances to product.

You will work with research scientists and engineers to identify inventions, draft applications, and navigate US and international filings, including subject-matter eligibility challenges.

Qualifications

• Registered to practice before the USPTO with active registration number.
• 5+ years drafting and prosecuting software patent applications.
• Experience at an AI, software, or platform company.
• Comfortable building in ambiguity and drafting from scratch.
• Hands-on by default; drafting, not just managing outside counsel.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute the patent strategy for Hark's models, inference systems, and platform software, including portfolio architecture across foundation models and on-device deployment.
• Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to identify patentable inventions.
• Draft and prosecute US and international applications with robust claim strategy.
• Prepare office action responses and conduct examiner interviews.
• Review publications and manage bar dates to avoid loss of coverage.
• Advise on patent vs trade secret vs defensive publication strategies.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on PCT and international prosecutions.
• Monitor competitive patent activity and support freedom-to-operate work.

Skills

Patent strategy

Drafting experience

Prosecution experience

Written communication

Attention to detail

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

CS/CE/EE degree

Job description

Hark is seeking a Patent Agent to build the software side of our patent portfolio from the ground up. You will own drafting and prosecution across models, inference systems, and platform software, shaping how we protect research as it advances to product.

You will work with research scientists and engineers to identify inventions, draft applications, and navigate US and international filings, including subject-matter eligibility challenges.