IP Patent Agent: Mechanical/Electrical Prosecution (3–5 yrs)

Barnes-&-Thornburg-LL; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks a Patent Agent with 3–5 years' experience to join our Intellectual Property Department. The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, electrical drafting experience, and familiarity with wireless device hardware.

You will prepare and prosecute US and international patents, draft legal documents, conduct prior art searches, respond to USPTO actions, and support due diligence for transactions within a collaborative, high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Registration in good standing before the USPTO.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 3–5 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents in ME/EE.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with high-quality output.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Draft patent applications for consumer electronics and electromechanical systems.
• Conduct prior art searches and support patentability analyses.
• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy.
• Conduct inventor interviews and distill technical subject matter.
• Support due diligence related to patent portfolios.
• Assist with post-grant proceedings as needed.
• Manage docket deadlines and maintain file records.

Skills

Patent Prosecution

Mechanical Engineering

Drafting

Communication

Docket Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks a Patent Agent with 3–5 years' experience to join our Intellectual Property Department. The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, electrical drafting experience, and familiarity with wireless device hardware.

You will prepare and prosecute US and international patents, draft legal documents, conduct prior art searches, respond to USPTO actions, and support due diligence for transactions within a collaborative, high-performing team.