Design Patent Associate (Hybrid, DC)

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site Wellness Center

Flexible spending accounts

Wellness program

Firm-paid life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Transportation benefits

Back-up childcare

Pet insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior associate to join the Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C., focusing on design patent matters. You will prosecute U.S.

design patents and shape protection strategies for diverse clients in a collaborative, hybrid-office setting. You will work with senior attorneys to analyze designs, draft responses to USPTO actions, and engage with inventors and international counsel to build comprehensive portfolios.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in industrial design, product design, architecture, applied arts, graphic design, fine/studio arts, art teaching education, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, material science or physics.
• JD and licensed attorney in a U.S. jurisdiction, preferably D.C. If not licensed in D.C., eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or sit for the DC bar.
• 1–3 years of experience as a licensed attorney practicing patent law, with design patent prosecution experience.
• Possess a USPTO registration number (Patent and/or Design) or qualify for Patent Bar under Category A/B/D.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. design patent applications and coordinate international design protection strategies under supervision.
• Analyze product designs and advise on availability and scope of design patent protection for clients across industries.
• Draft responses to USPTO office actions, participate in examiner interviews, and develop prosecution strategies.
• Collaborate with inventors, designers, in-house and foreign counsel to develop design protection portfolios.
• Assist with due diligence reviews, IP transactions, and enforcement activities involving design patents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions and client counseling on design patent protection, infringement, validity, and enforceability.
• Monitor developments in U.S. and international design law and contribute to client alerts and thought leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Design/Engineering degree

Job description

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior associate to join the Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C., focusing on design patent matters. You will prosecute U.S.

design patents and shape protection strategies for diverse clients in a collaborative, hybrid-office setting. You will work with senior attorneys to analyze designs, draft responses to USPTO actions, and engage with inventors and international counsel to build comprehensive portfolios.