Junior Design Patent Associate - Hybrid DC Office

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-site Wellness Center

Flexible spending accounts

Wellness program

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Back-up childcare

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior associate to join the Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C. on a hybrid basis, focusing on design patent matters and working with a recognized leading team.

The role requires a JD and DC-bar eligibility with 1–3 years of patent law experience, particularly in design patents, and a strong ability to manage deadlines in a client-service environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience as a licensed attorney practicing patent law, including design patent prosecution and counseling.
• JD and active DC bar eligibility or admission.
• USPTO registration number or qualifications for Patent Bar exam.
• Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Bachelor's/Master's/Doctorate in industrial design, product design, architecture, or engineering as listed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. design patent applications and coordinate international design protection strategies.
• Analyze product designs and advise on availability and scope of design patent protection.
• Draft responses to USPTO office actions and develop prosecution strategies.
• Collaborate with inventors and foreign counsel to develop design protection portfolios.
• Assist with due diligence, IP transactions, and enforcement involving design patents.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions, analyses, and client counseling.
• Monitor developments in design law and contribute to client alerts and thought leadership.

Skills

Patent law

Education

JD degree

Job description

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is seeking a junior associate to join the Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, D.C. on a hybrid basis, focusing on design patent matters and working with a recognized leading team.

The role requires a JD and DC-bar eligibility with 1–3 years of patent law experience, particularly in design patents, and a strong ability to manage deadlines in a client-service environment.