Paralegal - Patents

Keurig Dr Pepper; New Jersey; On-site; USD 71,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Keurig Dr Pepper is seeking a Paralegal-Patents (North America) to support patent portfolio management and prosecution across the US and international matters. You will coordinate with R&D, legal and external counsel to ensure timely filings, docketing, and cost control.

You will assist with invention disclosures, maintain robust IP processes, and help with litigation support and competitive monitoring while ensuring compliance with USPTO/PCT rules and internal policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Paralegal certification or IP-related qualification preferred.
• 3-7+ years of experience in patent prosecution or IP support.
• Experience with U.S. and international patent procedures (USPTO, PCT).
• Experience e-filing in the USPTO for both patents and trademarks.
• Experience with IP docketing systems and tools.
• Experience in law firm or multinational corporate environment preferred.
• Familiarity with Non-Disclosure Agreements, IP Licenses, and Technology Service Agreements.
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ensures precision in filings and deadlines.
• Execution & Reliability: Delivers high-quality work.
• Organization & Prioritization: Manages multiple deadlines.
• Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively with teams and counsel.
• Analytical Thinking: Supports searches and data-driven insights.
• Proactivity: Anticipates needs and manages tasks independently.
• Technology & Systems Orientation: Uses IP tools effectively.
• Integrity & Professional Standards: Demonstrates professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Manage docketing, filings, and prosecution tracking for U.S. and International patent matters.
• Work with inventors to obtain documentation and signatures.
• Monitor deadlines, office actions, and maintenance fees.
• Prepare and file patent applications and related documents with USPTO in coordination with counsel.
• Coordinate invention disclosure processes with R&D and business teams.
• Support timely harvesting and documentation of new innovations.
• Support patent litigation, oppositions, and disputes through document management and coordination.
• Assist with evidence collection and case tracking.
• Conduct preliminary patent and prior art searches.
• Monitor competitor filings and support IP risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with USPTO/PCT rules, internal policies, and deadlines.
• Support audit readiness and documentation requirements.
• Track patent-related costs, invoices, and budgets.
• Support cost efficiency and portfolio reporting initiatives.

Skills

Patent docketing

US/International patent procedures

E-filing USPTO

Legal/IP collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Paralegal certification or IP qualification preferred

Tools

IP docketing systems

USPTO filing tools

Job description

Job Overview:

The Paralegal-Patents (North America) reports to the Associate General Counsel-Patents and is a key member of the global IP function. The role supports the management and execution of the Company’s patent portfolio in the United States and Internationally.

This role partners closely with R&D, Legal, and business teams, as well as external counsel, to ensure efficient handling of patent filings, prosecution, and portfolio management activities.

The Paralegal-Patents (North America) plays a critical role in supporting the Company’s patent portfolio in one of its most commercially significant jurisdictions. The role ensures timely filings, accurate docketing, and close coordination with internal stakeholders and external counsel.

Operating within a centralized IP model, the role supports innovation pipelines, ensures compliance with USPTO and PCT requirements, and contributes to efficient portfolio management and cost control.

Responsibilities:

Patent Portfolio Management & Prosecution Support

• Manage docketing, filings, and prosecution tracking for U.S. and International patent matters
• Working with inventors to obtain relevant documentation, including signatures
• Monitor deadlines, office actions, and maintenance fees
• Prepare and file patent applications and related documents with USPTO in coordination with counsel

Innovation & Invention Disclosure Support

• Coordinate invention disclosure processes with R&D and business teams
• Support timely harvesting and documentation of new innovations

Litigation & Disputes Support

• Support patent litigation, oppositions, and disputes through document management and coordination
• Assist with evidence collection and case tracking

Search & Competitive Monitoring

• Conduct preliminary patent and prior art searches
• Monitor competitor filings and support IP risk assessments

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with USPTO/PCT rules, internal policies, and deadlines
• Support audit readiness and documentation requirements

Cost Management & Reporting

• Track patent-related costs, invoices, and budgets
• Support cost efficiency and portfolio reporting initiatives

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Total Rewards:

• Salary Range: $70,500 - $110,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
• Paralegal certification or IP-related qualification preferred
• Technical or scientific background is an advantage
• 3-7+ years of experience in patent prosecution or IP support
• Experience with U.S. and international patent procedures (USPTO, PCT)
• Experience e-filing in the USPTO for both patents and trademarks
• Experience with IP docketing systems and tools
• Experience in law firm or multinational corporate environment preferred
• Familiarity with Non-Disclosure Agreements, IP Licenses, and Technology Service Agreements
• Experience supporting litigation or disputes is a plus
• Attention to Detail & Accuracy: Ensures precision in filings and deadlines
• Execution & Reliability: Consistently delivers high-quality work
• Organization & Prioritization: Manages multiple deadlines effectively
• Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively with teams and counsel
• Analytical Thinking: Supports searches and data-driven insights
• Proactivity: Anticipates needs and manages tasks independently
• Technology & Systems Orientation: Uses IP tools effectively
• Integrity & Professional Standards: Demonstrates professionalism

Company Overview:

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott's®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single-serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet's, L'OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be anemployer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure:

KDP uses artificial intelligence toassistwithinitialresume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficientlyidentifycandidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members. If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly [e-mail] lieu of clicking Apply.In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words 'AI Opt-Out' and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject linein your email application.