Global Foreign Filing Patent Assistant (Hybrid – DC)

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne Kessler, a leading intellectual property law firm in Washington, DC, seeks a Foreign Filing Legal Assistant with 3–5 years of foreign patent filing experience to join our hybrid-work team. You will handle worldwide filings (EPC, PCT, national), draft and review formal documents, and coordinate with foreign associates and clients.

Ideal candidates have strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work under deadline pressure. U.S.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of foreign patent filing experience required. U.S. patent prosecution experience will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Performs well under pressure, working efficiently and productively.
• Strong analytical, attention to details, problem solving, time management and communication skills needed.
• Must be a team player capable of working effectively with all levels of staff.
• Should possess strong computer, administrative, customer service and research skills and be capable of working at a fast pace.
• Must be able to exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of working independently with minimum supervision.
• Knowledge of Windows-based software applications, document management systems and IP estimate tools.

Responsibilities

• Process the filing of new foreign patent applications worldwide, i.e. EPC, PCT, national, non-convention cases.
• Preparing and reviewing appropriate correspondence from foreign associates and to clients and associates regarding new applications, formal requirements, filing details, etc.
• Preparing client letters, formal documents, filing reports, responses to PCT invitations, national phase reminder letters, etc.
• Ordering certified copies from U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
• Working with vendors, patent office personnel, consulate offices and various local and state governments to obtain certification and legalization of formal documents as needed.
• Reviewing docket reports for accuracy.
• Maintaining and clearing a daily and personal docket.
• Maintaining knowledge of foreign filing requirements, tax laws, renewal data, expiration data, etc.
• And more.

Skills

Foreign patent filing

U.S. patent prosecution

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

Windows-based software

Document management systems

IP estimate tools

Job description

Sterne Kessler, a leading intellectual property law firm in Washington, DC, seeks a Foreign Filing Legal Assistant with 3–5 years of foreign patent filing experience to join our hybrid-work team. You will handle worldwide filings (EPC, PCT, national), draft and review formal documents, and coordinate with foreign associates and clients.

Ideal candidates have strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work under deadline pressure. U.S.