IP Legal Specialist

Eastman Chemical Company; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN is seeking an IP Legal Specialist to protect its ideas by coordinating filings and deadlines across global patent portfolios. You will maintain portfolio data, improve processes, and collaborate with internal teams and external counsel on patent matters.

The role emphasizes detail-orientation, learning new legal systems, and delivering accurate filings while supporting cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to learn specialized legal and filing systems and manage deadlines.
• Experience or exposure to patent prosecution and docketing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain U.S. and international patent applications and related documents.
• Monitor docketed tasks, filing requirements, and deadlines.
• Review documents, filing data, fees, and records for accuracy.
• Maintain Anaqua records, electronic files, and prosecution histories.
• Coordinate with internal teams, outside counsel, and patent offices.
• Identify issues and help improve IP processes for efficiency.

Skills

Microsoft 365 proficiency

Communication skills

Proofreading

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma

Paralegal certificate

Tools

IP management software

Docketing software

USPTO Patent Center

Job description

IP Legal Specialist

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.

Overview & Responsibilities

Position Overview

Help protect the ideas and technologies that shape Eastman's future. As an IP Legal Specialist, you will support Eastman's global patent portfolio by coordinating filings, managing critical deadlines, maintaining accurate portfolio information, and improving IP processes. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented problem solver who takes ownership, enjoys learning, and thrives in a collaborative environment.

What You'll Do

• Support patent filings. Prepare and maintain U.S. and international patent applications and related documents.
• Manage deadlines. Monitor docketed tasks, filing requirements, and follow-up activities.
• Ensure accuracy. Review documents, filing data, fees, and records before and after submission.
• Maintain portfolio information. Keep Anaqua records, electronic files, and prosecution histories current and complete.
• Coordinate across teams. Work with internal teams, outside counsel, service providers, and patent offices to move matters forward.
• Solve problems and improve processes. Identify issues, manage priorities, elevate appropriately, and support more efficient ways of working.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent. Experience managing detailed, deadline-driven work. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams. Strong communication, proofreading, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn specialized legal and filing systems, manage multiple priorities, and meet critical deadlines. Ability to handle confidential information and work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, paralegal certificate, vocational training, or comparable relevant experience. Experience supporting U.S. or international patent prosecution. Experience with IP management or legal docketing software. Familiarity with USPTO Patent Center or other government electronic filing systems. Experience proofreading complex legal documents, maintaining accurate records, and managing critical deadlines.

What Will Help You Succeed

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality. Curiosity and willingness to learn. Ownership, sound judgment, and follow-through. Adaptability and a collaborative, service-oriented approach.

NOTICE

Eastman will not accept applicants for this offered position who require visa sponsorship, including those whose status is F-1 visa OPT who subsequently would require ongoing visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.

Compensation & Incentives

• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage-paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits-including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more-so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

• 401(k) with a company match-plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.

Time Away

• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life's moments.

Growth & Development

• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.

At Eastman, we invest in the whole you‑so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you're proud of.

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market:

Asheville

Nearest Secondary Market:

Knoxville

Job Segment:

Patent, Law, Application Developer, Legal, Technology