Mechanical & Electrical Patent Prosecution Associate

Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering, to join its IP Department. The ideal candidate will prepare and prosecute U.S.

and international patent applications, conduct prior art searches, respond to USPTO actions, and collaborate with partners and clients on complex tech matters. Active bar admission is required and a mechanical engineering background with drafting experience is

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, with strong academic achievement
• Registration in good standing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Member of the bar in the state where the position is based, or eligibility for admission
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
• 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firm
• Demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both mechanical and electrical engineering subject matter
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet competing 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

Legal drafting

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis seeks an associate with 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering, to join its IP Department. The ideal candidate will prepare and prosecute U.S.

and international patent applications, conduct prior art searches, respond to USPTO actions, and collaborate with partners and clients on complex tech matters. Active bar admission is required and a mechanical engineering background with drafting experience is