Hybrid Patent Prosecution Assistant & IDS Specialist

MERCHANT & GOULD PC; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

401(k) match

Ten firm holidays

Job summary

Merchant & Gould is seeking a Patent Prosecution Assistant to support IDS management and general patent prosecution. The role includes preparing IDS forms, maintaining reference records, and assisting attorneys to ensure accurate filings with the USPTO in a hybrid work setting in Knoxville, TN.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of legal/IP admin experience, familiarity with USPTO procedures, and strong MS Office skills. The firm offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
• Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and IP management systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules.
• Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets.
• Coordinate with legal assistants and attorneys to verify citation accuracy and relevance before submission.
• Assist with uploading IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards for attorney-client communications.

Skills

Administrative experience

MS Office

IP management systems

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Communication skills

Job description

Merchant & Gould is seeking a Patent Prosecution Assistant to support IDS management and general patent prosecution. The role includes preparing IDS forms, maintaining reference records, and assisting attorneys to ensure accurate filings with the USPTO in a hybrid work setting in Knoxville, TN.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of legal/IP admin experience, familiarity with USPTO procedures, and strong MS Office skills. The firm offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits.