Junior/Mid-Level Patent Agent

dlapiper; United States; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking an early- to mid-level Patent Agent with USPTO credentials to support our Patent Development & Strategy practice. The ideal candidate has a Computer Science and/or Electrical Engineering background and will draft and prosecute patent applications across software, AI/ML, semiconductors, and related technologies.

The role may be based in Boston, Philadelphia, Reston, Palo Alto, or San Francisco and offers a hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

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

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.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Attention to detail

Organization

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Electrical Engineering / Computer Science degrees

Job description

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

• 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.