IDS & Patent Prosecution Specialist

MERCHANT & GOULD PC; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

Short/long-term disability

401(k) match

Ten firm holidays

Job summary

Merchant & Gould PC in Atlanta is seeking an IDS Specialist to support the firm's IDS and patent prosecution efforts in a hybrid role. You will prepare IDS forms, track prior art, manage IDS records, coordinate with attorneys, and file documents with USPTO systems, while upholding confidentiality and meeting tight deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and knowledge of USPTO procedures are essential; 1–2 years of legal/IP admin experience is preferred.

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 experience with IP management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills/software a needed.
• Position may require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Regular attendance at work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules.
• Track and compile prior art references cited in related cases across U.S. and foreign patent families.
• Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with legal assistants and attorneys to verify citation accuracy and relevance before submission.
• Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
• Adhere to confidentiality standards in attorney-client communications.
• Assist with management of IDS inbox for large clients.
• Prepare, review and edit billing invoices.
• Save communications in the document management system.
• Forward IDS Instructions to outside vendor and serve as mediator.
• Address time-sensitive IDS action items and monitor deadlines.

Skills

Administrative experience

USPTO forms knowledge

MS Office

IP management systems

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Willingness to learn

Attendance

Job description

Merchant & Gould PC in Atlanta is seeking an IDS Specialist to support the firm's IDS and patent prosecution efforts in a hybrid role. You will prepare IDS forms, track prior art, manage IDS records, coordinate with attorneys, and file documents with USPTO systems, while upholding confidentiality and meeting tight deadlines.

Strong attention to detail and knowledge of USPTO procedures are essential; 1–2 years of legal/IP admin experience is preferred.