INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION ASSOCIATE

FBT Gibbons; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 195,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Sick & vacation

Well-being/EAP

401(k)

Job summary

FBT Gibbons LLP in Cincinnati, Ohio is seeking an intellectual property litigation associate to handle cases across the country including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. The associate will run matters day to day, work directly with clients and receive partner support rather than supervision.

The role requires 5+ years of IP litigation experience with a strong patent focus, autonomous work style, and excellent writing skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of IP litigation experience with a focus on patent matters.
• Ability to work autonomously, with minimal revisions to pleadings.
• Experience with fact and expert discovery, claim construction briefing, and dispositive motions.
• Technical degree or background; USPTO registration preferred.
• IPR and ITC experience is a plus.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Admission in the state's office or eligibility for admission without examination.

Responsibilities

• Manage case strategy and day-to-day case teams in patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright matters in federal court and before agencies.
• Draft dispositive, discovery, and claim construction briefing; take and defend depositions; appear in court.
• Serve as day-to-day client contact on case assessment, budgets, and strategy.

Skills

IP litigation

Patent litigation

Autonomy

Research & writing

Client communication

Education

Technical degree

USPTO registration

Job description

The Cincinnati, Ohio office of FBT Gibbons is seeking an intellectual property litigation associate.

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national, full-service law firm formed through the combination of Frost Brown Todd and Gibbons, bringing together more than 800 attorneys across 25 offices. Our attorneys offer comprehensive legal solutions to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and global multinationals to startups and nonprofits. FBT Gibbons distinguishes itself as a dynamic, forward-moving firm with a coast-to-coast platform and a reputation for excellence across multiple practice areas and industries. Our reputation is further reinforced by our numerous Chambers and Best Lawyers ranked practices and attorneys. We are a people‑first firm recognized for our award-winning inclusive culture and a strong commitment to community and pro bono work. FBT Gibbons supports our attorneys with structured training and mentorship, clears paths to advancement, and a platform that provides exposure to varied and sophisticated matters.

Our intellectual property litigation team handles cases across the country in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters, involving everything from software and automobile parts to security systems, consumer goods, and agricultural products. We represent clients in federal and state court and in administrative agency proceedings, and we assist clients in enforcing their IP rights or defending against claims of infringement across multiple jurisdictions. The associate joining our team will run matters day to day and work directly with clients, with partner support rather than partner supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage case strategy and day-to-day case teams in patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright matters in federal court and before administrative agencies


• Draft dispositive, discovery, and claim construction briefing; take and defend fact and expert depositions; appear in court


• Serve as a day-to-day client contact on case assessment, budgets, and strategy

Qualifications

• 5+ years of intellectual property litigation experience, with a substantial focus on patent litigation


• The ability to work with a high degree of autonomy: independently identifying and analyzing issues, preparing pleadings and substantive briefs that require minimal revision, and taking and defending depositions


• Substantive experience with fact and expert discovery, claim construction briefing, and dispositive and discovery motion practice


• The ability to understand and communicate technically complex subject matter; a technical degree or background and/or registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is preferred


• Experience with post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (IPR) and with ITC investigations is a plus


• Excellent research and writing skills


• Admission in the state of the office, or eligibility for admission without examination; the firm supports admission to the relevant federal courts


• Preferred: experience with participation in mediations, court appearances, trials, and arbitrations

Compensation

The salary ranges for this role is $195,000-$210,000 , reflecting a variety of factors including experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, relevant experience, and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

Associates Are Eligible For

• Quarterly and annual objective bonuses, with maximum objective bonus opportunities ranging from approximately $14,000 to $22,000 per year, depending on associate level


• Annual subjective bonus

Benefits

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (HSA with employer contribution or PPO options)


• Dental and vision coverage


• Life insurance


• Short- and long-term disability


• Various parental leaves


• Sick and vacation time


• Well-being/EAP support


• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

Why FBT Gibbons?

At FBT Gibbons, we believe great lawyering starts with a great workplace. Our attorneys benefit from a hybrid work environment (three days in-office), a “dress for your day” policy, and robust support for both professional and personal development. Associates have a clear, competency-based , path to partnership, and formalized mentorship and active Affinity & Ally Networks foster connection, growth, and belonging. Attorneys are encouraged to engage in pro bono work, community partnerships, and professional organizations, with opportunities for leadership and recognition. Our commitment to diversity is a fundamental driver of business success, and our diversity efforts are embedded in the firm’s core values and strategic priorities. Our approach to diversity strengthens our collaboration, the way we serve clients, our ability to attract top talent, and how we innovate as a firm. FBT Gibbons remains steadfast in our dedication to an environment where every individual can thrive, develop, and reach their full potential within our firm and while championing diverse perspectives within the broader community. Learn more about our culture and commitment to inclusion at fbtgibbons.com/about/diversity-inclusion.

FBT Gibbons LLP is an equal opportunity employer.