Paralegal - Trademarks

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 77,800 - 97,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Wellbeing programs

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a highly organized Trademarks Paralegal to support a global portfolio of iconic brands. You will assist with prosecution, maintenance, clearance, and record-keeping in a fast-paced in-house legal team.

This hybrid role supports Chicago or Pittsburgh offices, collaborating with attorneys and brand stakeholders to manage deadlines, enforce rights, and improve processes across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; paralegal certificate from ABA-approved program preferred.
• 2–3 years of trademark paralegal experience in law firm or in-house environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with trademark databases (e.g., WebTMS or similar) is a plus; strong understanding of USPTO procedures and TEAS.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications, statements of use, renewals, assignments, and extensions of time with the USPTO; liaise with foreign associates regarding international filings, prosecution, renewals, and declarations of use.
• Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches, order full clearance searches, and summarize results for attorney review.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in WebTMS and monitor docket deadlines for assigned marks and matters.
• Monitor and investigate potential infringements; assist with takedowns and enforcement actions.
• Prepare reports for internal stakeholders, including marketing and brand teams.
• Assist with trademark-related agreements, assignments, and recordals; review invoices and ensure compliance with policy.

Skills

Trademark experience

Paralegal skills

Microsoft Office

Document management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

WebTMS

TEAS

Job description

Location: Hybrid in Pittsburgh or Chicago

Department: Legal - Trademarks Team

Overview: Kraft Heinz's Global Trademarks Legal Team is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Trademarks Paralegal to help support, protect, and grow our large, international trademark portfolio of iconic food and beverage brands. This role offers hands-on experience in global trademark prosecution, portfolio management, and brand protection within a fast-paced, collaborative legal environment alongside a dedicated and passionate Trademarks Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Trademark Prosecution & Maintenance: Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications, statements of use, renewals, assignments, and extensions of time with the USPTO; and liaise with foreign associates regarding international filings, prosecution, renewals, and declarations of use.
• Clearance Searches: Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches, order full clearance searches, and summarize the results for attorney review.
• Portfolio Management & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in our trademark management database (WebTMS) and monitor docket and deadlines for assigned marks and matters to ensure timely responses and filings.
• Enforcement: Monitor and investigate potential infringements; and assist with takedowns and other enforcement actions.
• Reporting: Prepare reports and summaries for internal stakeholders, including marketing and brand teams.
• Team Support: Assist with trademark-related agreements, assignments, and recordals; prepare and arrange for execution, authentication and legalization of formal documents required for trademark matters; review and validate trademark matter invoices and ensure compliance with Kraft Heinz's billing policies; communicate regularly and maintain professional relationships with key legal, business, and marketing stakeholders worldwide, as well as foreign associates; and contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes, templates, and workflows.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred.
• Experience: 2-3 years of trademark paralegal experience in law firm or in-house environment.
• Technical Skills & Knowledge: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); experience with trademark databases (e.g., WebTMS or similar) is a plus; and strong understanding of USPTO procedures and Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS).
• Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines; excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong problem-solving skills with eagerness to learn; collaborative mindset with a proactive, "can-do" approach; and enjoys working independently as well as part of a team.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience supporting, protecting, and maintaining iconic household-name brands.
• Opportunity to learn and grow within a sophisticated in-house legal team.
• Mentorship from experienced and passionate Trademarks attorneys and senior Trademarks paralegals.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$77,800.00 - $97,300.00

Bonus

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus (20%) as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing

We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center, Pittsburgh/PPG

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.