IP Patent Associate - Mechanical & Electrical

Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably with a mechanical engineering background and drafting experience for wireless device hardware and wearables.

The successful candidate will draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications, conduct prior art searches, respond to Office Actions, and support cross-functional teams on cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic record.
• Registration in good standing before the USPTO.
• Member of the bar where the position is based, or eligible 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 mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with commitment to high-quality work product.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Draft patent applications including specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions for mechanical/electrical inventions.
• Conduct prior art searches and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses.
• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy with partners and clients.
• Conduct inventor interviews and distill technical subject matter into clear patent disclosures.
• Support due diligence related to patent portfolios in transactions and licensing matters.
• Assist with post-grant proceedings as needed.
• Manage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file records.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Drafting

Wireless devices

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's in mechanical engineering

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably with a mechanical engineering background and drafting experience for wireless device hardware and wearables.

The successful candidate will draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications, conduct prior art searches, respond to Office Actions, and support cross-functional teams on cutting-edge technologies in a collaborative environment.