Intellectual Property Paralegal

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Brookline (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institute seeks an Intellectual Property Support Specialist to assist with various functions in the Office of General Counsel. The role involves maintaining intellectual property databases, drafting documents, and liaising with faculty and external partners. Ideal candidates will have experience in intellectual property and strong communication skills. Join a mission-driven team committed to diversity and patient care.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience in intellectual property.
• Ability to draft correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting formalities and correspondence.
• Coordinate Patent Committee meetings and keep minutes.
• Maintain database of intellectual property assets.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Customer Service

Research Abilities

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Intellectual Property Database Software

Job description

This position provides a variety of intellectual property support functions to the Chief Intellectual Property Counsel and Intellectual Property Counsel in the Office of General Counsel. Supervised by the Lead IP Paralegal, they maintain a database of Institute intellectual property assets (e.g., patent, trademark, and copyright), related documents and docketed deadlines. They use specialized intellectual property applications as well as traditional office software to track assets and produce reports, spreadsheets, and other documents as needed. This position requires some knowledge of intellectual property, particularly US and International patent and/or trademark prosecution procedure, as well as an appreciation of Institute policies and practices. Individuals in these positions will interface with faculty and staff members, administrative departments, (e.g., Innovations, Research, Communications, and Development), law firms, licensing entities, and collaborating institutions.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

With direct supervision, provides intellectual property support as follows but not limited to:

• Assist Intellectual Property staff with drafting formalities, correspondence, and template documents.
• Serves as primary contact for intellectual property-related inquiries and requests from faculty and staff members, law firms, licensing entities, and collaborating institutions.
• Reviews and processes all intellectual property-related correspondence including all electronic mail sent to the Intellectual Property Docketing Inbox and Trademark Inbox.
• Coordinates Patent Committee meetings, keeps minutes, and corresponds with outside counsel regarding Patent Committee decisions.
• Works closely with technology transfer professionals in the Belfer Office for Dana-Farber Innovations to support marketing, sponsorship, licensing, and compliance efforts.
• Enters new assets, deadlines, and documents into the online database of Institute intellectual property assets.
• Prepares docket reports tracking intellectual property disclosures, assets, and deadlines.
• Submits renewal service payments to patent offices via the online provider interface.
• Assists with the supervision of law firms in the acquisition and maintenance of intellectual property assets by editing and commenting on law firm invoices prior to review by the Intellectual Property Counsel.
• Researches and responds to requests for protection filing documents and statuses.
• Maintains electronic and/or hardcopy files of signed documents and trademark specimens.
• Responsible for quality checks on data in the online database of Institute intellectual property assets.
• Responsible for preparing intellectual property assignment and declaration documents, and other documents, coordinating their execution by faculty and staff members, and recording them with patent offices.
• Responsible for preparing Power of Attorney documents, coordinating their execution by the Intellectual Property Counsel, and recording them with patent offices.
• May perform duties related to other special projects as required.
• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, or the equivalent of 10+ years of on-the-job training and experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3 years of relevant experience working with intellectual property preferably in a law firm or an in-house legal department or comparable technology-oriented business environment.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and research abilities.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and other computer applications.
• Exceptional organizational skills and adeptness at prioritizing tasks.
• Strong customer service skills and professionalism.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Respect for and willingness to protect highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Basic knowledge of US and foreign patent procedures is required.
• Demonstrated ability to draft correspondence and have exemplary oral and written communication skills.
• Advanced computer skills are required, and experience with intellectual property database and/or renewal service provider software is preferred.
• A certain degree of creativity and flexibility is required.
• Reliance on experience and judgement to solve problems and plan and accomplish goals.
  
  

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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