Junior/Mid-Level Patent Agent

DLA Piper; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper seeks a Patent Agent with a Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering background and USPTO credentials to support the ongoing growth of our patent development & strategy practice. This role may be based in Boston, Philadelphia, Reston, Palo Alto, or San Francisco.

The position involves drafting and prosecuting patent applications across electrical, computer, software, AI, semiconductor, and related fields, plus IP due diligence and portfolio management.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO is required.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in electrical, computer, software, AI, semiconductor, and related fields.
• Collaborate with inventors and attorneys to develop patent protection strategies.
• Conduct prior art, patentability, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Support IP due diligence and portfolio management matters.
• Assist attorneys with client counseling and strategic patent matters.

Skills

Analytical writing

Attention to detail

Organization

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science

Master's/PhD in relevant field (preferred)

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Patent Agent to join its Patent Development & Strategy practice. We are seeking an early- to mid-level Patent Agent with a Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering background and USPTO credentials to support the continued growth of our patent development and strategy practice. This position may be based in Boston, Philadelphia, Reston, Palo Alto, or San Francisco.

Education

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong technical background in software, AI/ML, semiconductors, telecommunications, networking, computer architecture, or related technologies.

Certificates

• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) required.

Experience

• 2+ years of patent prosecution experience.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications.
• Experience preparing responses to Office Actions and conducting patentability analyses.
• Prior experience in a law firm or in-house intellectual property environment preferred.
• Experience with due diligence, opinions, freedom-to-operate analyses, licensing, and related patent counseling work is a plus. (Adapted from existing Patent Agent and Patent Development & Strategy attorney postings.)

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in electrical, computer, software, AI, semiconductor, and other technology-related fields.
• Collaborate with inventors and attorneys to develop patent protection strategies.
• Conduct prior art, patentability, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Support IP due diligence and portfolio management matters.
• Assist attorneys with client counseling and strategic patent matters.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Sound business judgment and problem-solving abilities

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment

The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion

• Opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $100,000 - $160,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.