Intellectual Property Attorney

Maynard Nexsen PC; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Maynard Nexsen PC seeks a highly motivated associate to join its Intellectual Property Practice Group. The preferred candidate will be based in NC or SC offices, with 3–5 years in patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or software, plus excellent writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–5 years of patent prosecution and intellectual property counseling experience.
• Degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or related technical field.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting US patent applications and managing domestic and international portfolios.
• Preferred experience conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and landscape analyses.
• Familiarity with trademark prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications.
• Provide strategic IP counseling to clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong writing

Clear communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Engineering or technical degree (ME/CE/EE/CS/Software)

USPTO registration

Job description

About the Role

Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm with more than 600 attorneys nationwide, is seeking a highly motivated associate to join its growing Intellectual Property Practice Group. The preferred candidate will be based in one of the firm’s North Carolina or South Carolina offices, although other locations may be considered.

We are looking for an associate with 3–5 years of intellectual property experience, primarily in patent preparation and prosecution, portfolio management, and strategic counseling. The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical background in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related field, together with excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with clients across a range of industries and technologies to develop, protect, and enforce valuable intellectual property assets. Success requires initiative, attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and a strong commitment to exceptional client service.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials


• 3–5 years of patent prosecution and intellectual property counseling experience in a law firm or comparable setting


• A degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field


• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)


• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and managing domestic and international patent portfolios


• Preferred experience conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and landscape analyses


• Familiarity with trademark prosecution

Why Join Maynard Nexsen

This position offers substantial client contact and the opportunity to work on sophisticated intellectual property matters for emerging growth companies, established businesses, and innovative technology-driven clients.

Learn more about Maynard Nexsen’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Salary, benefits, and bonus opportunities are comparable to those offered by other Am Law 200 firms. Maynard Nexsen is committed to fostering a collegial and diverse work environment and to supporting the professional and personal development of its attorneys.