Part-Time Paralegal – Patent & Trademark Prosecution

Rock IP; Connecticut; Remote; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Part-Time Paralegal to support its intellectual property practice. This fully remote role requires expertise in both patent and trademark prosecution, allowing you to work with attorneys to prepare and file applications, monitor deadlines, and manage communications. The ideal candidate is proactive and organized, capable of handling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Join a dynamic team where your contributions will directly impact the success of innovative projects in the legal field.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in patent and trademark prosecution.
• Proficiency with USPTO and international filing systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file U.S. and PCT patent applications.
• Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches and summarize findings.
• Monitor and manage prosecution dockets and deadlines.

Skills

Patent Prosecution

Trademark Prosecution

USPTO Systems

IP Docketing Software

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Paralegal Certificate

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Patent Center

Trademark Center

Assignment Center

ePCT

WIPO's Madrid e-Filing

AppColl

Anaqua

Foundation IP

Job description

Job Title: Part-Time Paralegal – Patent & Trademark Prosecution

Location: Remote

Position Type: Part-Time (10–25 hours/week)

Reports To: Firm Attorneys

About the Role

Rock IP, PLLC is seeking an experienced, detail-orientedPart-Time Paralegalto support our growing intellectual property practice. This fully remote role requires direct experience withbothpatentandtrademark prosecution. The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-motivated professional capable of managing a diverse docket across multiple jurisdictions with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Patent Prosecution:

• Work with attorneys to prepare and file U.S. and PCT patent applications using Patent Center and ePCT.
• Assist in preparing and filing responses to U.S. Patent Office Actions under attorney supervision.
• Prepare Application Data Sheets (ADSs) and coordinate with outside vendors for preparation of formal patent drawings.
• Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), assignments, declarations, and other formal documents using Patent Center and Assignment Center.
• Proactively monitor all patent prosecution deadlines, including office action responses, filings, allowances, and maintenance fee deadlines; coordinate client reminders, track instructions, and manage responses.
• Draft and send client reporting correspondence for all official patent communications, including filings, office actions, Notices of Allowance, grants, and maintenance events.

Trademark Prosecution:

• Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches and summarize findings for attorney review.
• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications through Trademark Center and Madrid Protocol applications through WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing system.
• Assist in preparing and filing responses to U.S. Trademark Office Actions under attorney supervision.
• Assist in gathering and reviewing trademark specimens and preparing post-registration maintenance filings, including post-registration declarations.
• Track and report trademark renewal and maintenance deadlines for U.S. and international registrations.

General IP Support:

• Coordinate foreign patent and trademark filings with foreign associates and maintain accurate records of correspondence and filings.
• Monitor and manage prosecution dockets, deadlines, and client communications.
• Maintain organized IP records, update docketing systems promptly, and prepare accurate billing entries.
• Provide administrative support including client reporting, document management, and communication tracking.
• Assist with client intake and new matter setup, including collecting onboarding information and entering IP data into the docketing system.

Qualifications

• Minimum3 years of experiencesupporting patent and trademark prosecution matters.
• Proficiency withUSPTO systems(Patent Center, Trademark Center, Assignment Center) andinternational filing systems(ePCT, WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing, and/or EPO online services).
• Experience withIP docketing software(e.g., AppColl, Anaqua, or Foundation IP).
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Paralegal certificate preferred; bachelor’s degree a plus.
• Availability to work10–25 hours per weekwith flexibility for remote collaboration.

Preferred Traits

• Highly organized with a proactive, deadline-driven approach.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, virtual environment.
• Prior experience working in a law firm or in-house legal department preferred.