IP Docketing & Data Manager

Cooley LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

21 days PTO

10 paid holidays

Job summary

Cooley LLP is seeking an IP Docketing & Data Manager in Washington, D.C. to oversee patent docketing, ensure compliance with policies, and manage the IP Management System. This role demands experience in intellectual property and project management.

Candidates should have over 5 years in an IP-related role, with strong tools expertise and excellent interpersonal skills. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in an IP-related role.
• Experience with docket system utilization and data management.
• Proficiency in researching IP status in PTO databases.

Responsibilities

• Manage patent docketing function and monitor compliance with procedures.
• Propose workflow improvements and coordinate team processes.
• Supervise direct reports and handle hiring and performance appraisals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Inprotech

iManage

Job description

Position Summary

The IP Docketing & Data Manager is responsible for managing the patent docketing function, monitoring compliance with established procedures and policies to ensure timely, efficient, and accurate completion of patent docketing. This role also manages the IP Management System (IPMS) to ensure overall integrity of IP data.

Responsibilities

• Patent Docketing Management
  • Confirm daily critical deadlines are handled, follow up and provide guidance to the docketing team.
  • Maintain daily quality checks, coordinate periodic data audits.
  • Communicate with timekeepers and non-docketing business professionals for feedback and improvement suggestions.
• Process Improvement
  • Propose workflow and procedural improvements; implement with IP management team.
  • Review team processes for efficiency, accuracy via automation, data validation tools, audits.
  • Develop training to fill skill gaps and maintain consistent approach.
• System Management
  • Ensure IPMS operates firm‑wide, troubleshoot and assist vendor issue resolution.
  • Review, test, and document patent workflow configurations; collaborate with Best Practices Committee and international teams.
  • Schedule downtime for law updates, resolve support emails, coordinate upgrades.
• Local Office IP Support
  • Oversee daily operations, encourage practitioner and timekeeper participation.
  • Provide troubleshooting support, coordinate staffing needs for special projects.
  • Participate in orientation of new hires.
• Team Leadership & Management
  • Supervise direct reports, enforce policies, monitor work hours.
  • Handle hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, terminations.
  • Report risk‑management concerns, maintain procedure manuals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in an IP‑related role.
• Project‑management experience.
• Experience with docket system utilization, data management and integrity using Inprotech or comparable IP docketing system.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, iManage and firm applications.
• Proficiency in research of IP status in PTO databases (e.g., USPTO, WIPO, EPO, EUIPO).
• Knowledge of USPTO procedures, 37C.F.R., MPEP, TMEP.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 5+ years supervisory experience in a professional services or law‑firm environment.
• Previous law‑firm experience.
• Experience researching IP status across multiple jurisdictions.

Skills and Competencies

• Entrepreneurial, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate multiple activities under tight timelines.
• Project leadership, strong judgment, collaborative team player.
• Confidentiality, high professionalism, talent development, analytical mindset.
• Effective presentation skills, proactive, influence‑based leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected annual pay range for this position with a full‑time schedule is $130,000 - $195,000. Final offer will depend on geographic location, experience and skillset. Benefits include medical, health savings account, dental, vision, FSA, pre‑tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&DD, long‑term care, backup child/adult care, 21 days PTO and 10 paid holidays. Firm‑paid life insurance, AD&DD, LTD, short‑term medical benefits. Parental leave, fertility benefits, elective benefits, benefits orientation.

Equal Opportunity

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.