Junior Design Patent Associate - Hybrid, DC

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site Wellness Center

401(k) retirement plan

Transportation commuter benefit

Back-up childcare and family support

Pet insurance discount

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. seeks a junior associate to join its Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C. The role focuses on cutting-edge design patent matters and collaboration with senior attorneys.

The position is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis with in-office days, offering a path to develop an accomplished design patent practice and work on high-profile clients and portfolios.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate in design/engineering disciplines (e.g., industrial design, mechanical engineering, architecture, physics).
• J.D. and active U.S. bar license, preferably DC. If not, eligible to waive into the DC Bar or sit for the DC bar exam.
• 1–3 years of licensed patent-law experience, with design patent prosecution experience.
• Possess a USPTO registration number or eligibility for Patent Bar under Category A/B/D.
• Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. design patent applications and coordinate international design protection strategies.
• Analyze product designs to assess availability and scope of design patent protection for clients.
• Draft responses to USPTO actions and participate in examiner interviews to advance client objectives.
• Collaborate with inventors, designers, in-house and foreign counsel to shape design patent portfolios.
• Assist with due diligence, IP transactions, and enforcement related to design patents.
• Conduct legal research and assist in opinions, analyses, and client counseling on design patent protection.
• Monitor developments in U.S. and international design law and contribute to client alerts and thought leadership.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Engineering or design degree

JD and DC Bar eligibility

Job description

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. seeks a junior associate to join its Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C. The role focuses on cutting-edge design patent matters and collaboration with senior attorneys.

The position is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis with in-office days, offering a path to develop an accomplished design patent practice and work on high-profile clients and portfolios.