IP Patent Prosecution Associate - Mechanical & Electrical

Barnes-&-Thornburg-LL; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP's IP practice in Minneapolis combines deep technical expertise with a full-service platform. Our 125+ IP attorneys advise startups to Fortune 500s on patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and complex litigation, earning top rankings in Chambers USA and IAM Patent 1000.

We seek an associate with 2–4 years of patent prosecution experience and a mechanical engineering background, including electronics drafting, to prepare and prosecute U.S.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Registration in good standing before the USPTO.
• Bar admission in the state where the position is based or eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 2–4 years of patent prosecution experience at a large firm or boutique IP firm.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents in mechanical and electrical engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Draft patent applications including specifications, claims, and drawings for consumer electronics hardware and electromechanical systems.
• 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 material into clear patent disclosures.
• Support due diligence related to patent portfolios in transactions and licensing.
• Assist with post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and reexamination.
• Manage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file records.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

JD

USPTO registration

Communication skills

Docket management

Attention to detail

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP's IP practice in Minneapolis combines deep technical expertise with a full-service platform. Our 125+ IP attorneys advise startups to Fortune 500s on patent prosecution, portfolio strategy, and complex litigation, earning top rankings in Chambers USA and IAM Patent 1000.

We seek an associate with 2–4 years of patent prosecution experience and a mechanical engineering background, including electronics drafting, to prepare and prosecute U.S.