IP Mechanical/Electrical Patent Prosecution Associate

Barnes-&-Thornburg-LL; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in mechanical engineering with drafting experience for wireless device hardware, smartphones, tablets, wearables. Work on cutting-edge technologies within a collaborative, high-performing IP team.

Ideal candidate has JD, USPTO bar, and a strong academic record; electrical/mechanical overlap preferred.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic achievement.
• Registration in good standing before the USPTO.
• Bar admission in the state where the position is based, or eligibility for admission.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firm.
• Demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both mechanical and electrical engineering subjects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet competing deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work product.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
• Draft patent applications, including specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions, for inventions relating to consumer electronics hardware and electromechanical systems
• Conduct prior art searches and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses, including clearance opinions for product launches
• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy in coordination with partners and clients
• Conduct inventor interviews and distill complex technical subject matter into clear, precise patent disclosure
• Support due diligence efforts related to patent portfolios in transactions and licensing matters
• Assist with post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and reexamination, as needed
• Manage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file records

Skills

Strong written communication

Verbal communication

Docket management

Detail-oriented

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Mechanical engineering degree

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, particularly in mechanical engineering with drafting experience for wireless device hardware, smartphones, tablets, wearables. Work on cutting-edge technologies within a collaborative, high-performing IP team.

Ideal candidate has JD, USPTO bar, and a strong academic record; electrical/mechanical overlap preferred.