IP Patent Prosecution Associate, Mechanical & Electrical

barnes; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, focusing on mechanical and electrical engineering. The ideal candidate will have a mechanical engineering background and familiarity with wireless device hardware.

You will prepare and prosecute US and international patent applications, draft specifications and claims, conduct prior art searches, and manage docket deadlines within a collaborative, high-performing team at a leading AmLaw 100

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (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 eligible.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
• 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firm.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both 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 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

Patent prosecution experience

Mechanical engineering background

Electrical engineering drafting

Drafting patent applications

Wireless device hardware familiarity

Strong written/verbal communication

Docket management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Minneapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, focusing on mechanical and electrical engineering. The ideal candidate will have a mechanical engineering background and familiarity with wireless device hardware.

You will prepare and prosecute US and international patent applications, draft specifications and claims, conduct prior art searches, and manage docket deadlines within a collaborative, high-performing team at a leading AmLaw 100