Design Patent Specialist

Quarles & Brady LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Quarles & Brady LLP in Chicago seeks a Design Patent Specialist to join our national Intellectual Property practice. You will support clients by preparing and prosecuting design patent applications and analyzing prior art.

Collaborate with attorneys, designers, and clients to develop design patent strategies, prepare drawings, monitor portfolios, and help with counseling on protection and clearance.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in industrial design, product design, architecture, applied arts, graphic design, or fine/studio arts is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail and ability to analyze complex visual designs.
• Proficiency in design software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, or similar).
• Interest in learning about design patents and IP issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and prosecution of design patent applications before the USPTO.
• Conduct design patent searches and analyze prior art to assess patentability.
• Prepare formal drawings and figures that comply with USPTO design patent requirements.
• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and designers to develop design patent strategies.
• Monitor design patent portfolios and manage deadlines and filings.
• Support client counseling on design patent protection, enforcement, and clearance matters.

Skills

Design software proficiency

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

US design patent knowledge

Education

Undergraduate degree in industrial design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CAD programs

Job description

We are seeking a Design Patent Specialist to join our growing, dynamic national Intellectual Property practice group in our Chicago office. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of design and intellectual property law, supporting clients in protecting their creative innovations through design patents.

Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in industrial design, product design, architecture, applied arts, graphic design, or fine/studio arts is required. Qualified candidates will possess:

• A solid technical background with an understanding of design principles and aesthetics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to analyze complex visual designs
• Proficiency in design software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, or similar applications)
• An interest in learning about a fast-paced career advising businesses on intellectual property issues, with a focus on design patents

Prior experience preparing or prosecuting design patent applications is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and prosecution of design patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Conduct design patent searches and analyze prior art to assess patentability
• Prepare formal drawings and figures that comply with USPTO design patent requirements
• Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and designers to develop effective design patent strategies
• Monitor design patent portfolios and manage deadlines and filings
• Support client counseling on design patent protection, enforcement, and clearance matters

Quarles offers competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits to employees, including paid time off, health, vision, dental, 401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, and much more. Benefit eligibility is dependent on hours worked. Compensation is determined based on the market in which the position is located, the responsibilities of the position, the experience, education, and skills of the applicant, and other job-related factors. The salary range for this position is $70,000–$90,000 per year.

Quarles is an equal opportunity employer.