IP Paralegal

Aptar Italia S.P.A.; Crystal Lake (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k & retirement

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Aptar is seeking an Intellectual Property Paralegal to support its global IP operations. You will provide administrative, docketing, and technical support across patents and trademarks, enabling efficient portfolio management and strong data integrity.

You will work with IP attorneys, patent agents, and external counsel to protect and maintain IP rights while coordinating with Legal, R&D, and Innovation teams.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field.
• Paralegal certification preferred (e.g., NALA, NFPA, or equivalent).
• Coursework or exposure to Intellectual Property (IP), Patents, or Technology Law.
• 3–7 years of experience as a Paralegal, preferably in intellectual property.
• Experience supporting patent prosecution and IP portfolio management.
• Familiarity with global IP processes, docketing practices, and deadlines.
• Exposure to business administration or legal operations processes.
• Background or familiarity with science, engineering, or technical disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct factual/procedural research, prepare IP-related documents under supervision, and track IP matters.
• Day-to-day operational support for Aptar’s global IP portfolio (patents, filings, deadlines, renewals).
• Administrative and process support aligned with Group IP governance and standards
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external law firms
• Data management, docketing, reporting, and tracking of IP assets

Skills

IP law knowledge

Patent lifecycle

Data accuracy

Docketing coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Legal Studies or Paralegal Studies

Paralegal certification preferred

Tools

IP docketing software

Job description

Reports to: Global Head of Intellectual Property

Location: near Aptar US site preferred; daily work location flexible remote or hybrid

The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal supports Aptar’s global intellectual property operations by providing high-quality administrative, operational, docketing, and technical support across patent and broader IP activities. This role enables efficient portfolio management, strengthens data integrity, and improves coordination between internal stakeholders and external counsel—contributing directly to risk management, cost optimization, and effective IP governance. The Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal is responsible for assisting IP attorneys, patent agents, and other authorized IP professionals, under their direction, in the protection, maintenance, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

As an Intellectual Property Paralegal, You Will:

• Conduct factual/procedural research, prepare IP-related documents under the supervision or direction of IP attorneys, patent agents, or other authorized IP professionals, and track IP matters.
• Day-to-day operational support for Aptar’s global IP portfolio (patents, patent applications, associated filings, deadlines, renewals, and ownership records)
• Administrative and process support aligned with Group IP governance and standards
• Coordination with internal stakeholders (Legal, R&D, Innovation) and external law firms
• Data management, docketing, reporting, and tracking of IP assets

Who We are Looking For

Education

• Required: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or related field
• Preferred: Paralegal certification preferred (e.g., NALA, NFPA, or equivalent)
• Preferred: Coursework or exposure to Intellectual Property (IP), Patents, or Technology Law

Experience

• 3–7 years of experience as a Paralegal, preferably in intellectual property
• Experience supporting patent prosecution and/or IP portfolio management
• Familiarity with global IP processes, docketing practices, and deadlines
• Exposure to business administration or legal operations processes
• Background or familiarity with science, engineering, or technical disciplines (particularly relevant for patent-heavy environments)

Skills

Working understanding of IP laws and regulations and ability to conduct preliminary factual/procedural research and elevate complex legal issues to the appropriate IP attorney, patent agent, or other authorized IP professional.

• Solid understanding of patent lifecycle processes (filing, prosecution, foreign filings, renewals, annuities)
• Familiarity with IP documentation and formalities (applications, office actions, assignments, declarations, correspondence)
• Basic knowledge of global IP systems and jurisdictions
• Ability to support IP risk tracking (e.g., deadlines, filings, portfolio status)
• Experience using IP management/docketing systems
• Strong capability in data accuracy, tracking, and reporting
• Ability to manage high-volume deadlines with precision
• Clear, professional written communication (emails, formal correspondence, status reports)
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Legal, R&D, and Innovation teams
• Strong interpersonal skills to manage global stakeholder interactions
• Ability to translate technical/IP information into clear, practical summaries for IP attorneys, patent agents, other authorized IP professionals, and internal stakeholders.

Other

• Limited travel, as needed
• Ability to work remotely with minimal supervision

Who We are

At Aptar, we leverage insights, design, engineering and science to develop drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies for many of the world’s leading brands. Aptar in turn makes a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of millions of patients and consumers around the world. Our innovations nasal drug delivery for emergency medicines, precise fragrance applications, mess-free ketchup dispensing for kids, connected technologies that support patients in adhering to their treatments and much more

With manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, and a dedicated team of over 13,000 employees in about 20 countries, Aptar is committed to creating impactful innovations for our customers and their consumers.

Our Culture

At Aptar, our success is driven by the individuals who contribute their unique talents and perspectives every day. We believe that when you bring your authentic self to work, we all thrive.

How We Support Our Employees

• An exciting, diverse and value based working environment
• Award-winning corporate university offering personal development and training opportunities.
• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus plan.
• Contribute to the communities where we reside.
• Innovative benefits plan which includes: 401k & Retirement Savings plan, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, pet insurance, wellness plan, and generous paid maternity/paternity leave.

Aptar is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role is $65,000 – $85,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Aptaralso offers a variety of benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) match and employer retirement savings contribution, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, company-paid holidays, and more. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on location, pay class, or other factors