Patent Agent

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision care coverage

401(k) savings plan with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Employee wellness programs

Paid time off

Job summary

A global leader in precision instruments is seeking a Patent Agent in Columbus, Ohio. The role involves managing the patent process and collaborating with international teams to protect innovations. Ideal candidates will have a technical degree and be a registered Patent Agent with experience in patent prosecution. Strong project management skills and up to 25% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in-house or in a law firm setting.
• Familiarity with international patent systems, including PCT filings.
• Up to 25% travel required, primarily to US-based R&D sites.

Responsibilities

• Manage the patent application process from initial disclosure through grant.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of the patent landscape.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications across various jurisdictions.

Skills

Strong understanding of patent law and intellectual property management

Highly organized with strong project management skills

Ability to collaborate with a diverse international team

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field

Registered Patent Agent with the USPTO

Job description

METTLER TOLEDO is a global leader in precision instruments and services. We are renowned for innovation and quality across laboratory, process analytics, industrial, product inspection, and retailing applications. Our sales and service network is one of the most extensive in the industry. Our products are sold in more than 140 countries, and we have a direct presence in approximately 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.mt.com.

Overview

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities

Mettler Toledo is seeking to hire a Patent Agent for our Columbus, Ohio location. As a Patent Agent you will join our global in-house IP team, reporting to the Head of Global IP and collaborating with colleagues in Switzerland, India, and China. In this role, you will manage the end-to-end patent process, from prior art searches to prosecution and portfolio management. You will work with engineers and product managers to protect innovations, ensure freedom to operate, and strengthen our competitive advantage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure our new products have freedom to operate.
• Manage the patent application process for assigned business units from initial disclosure through grant.
• Deliver cross-functional patent support across multiple business units, proactively managing and prioritizing diverse intellectual property responsibilities based on project stage and strategic milestones.
• With the support of our search team, conduct comprehensive analyses of the patent landscape to identify potential barriers and opportunities.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications across various jurisdictions in collaboration with external law firms.
• Collaborate closely with inventors and product teams to identify and evaluate patentable inventions.
• Draft and revise patent claims and support documentation for patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant patent laws and regulations throughout the application process.
• Monitor and manage deadlines for patent filings and office actions.
• Assist in developing and implementing patent strategies that align with business objectives.
• Provide training and guidance to stakeholders to enhance understanding of patent processes, and intellectual property rights.
• Other duties may be assigned.

What You Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as engineering, natural sciences, or life sciences.
• Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in-house or in a law firm setting.
• Familiarity with international patent systems, including PCT filings.
• Strong understanding of patent law and intellectual property management.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with a diverse international team to foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
• Up to 25% travel is required, primarily to US-based R&D sites, mainly in California, and to Switzerland to collaborate with our global legal and IP team. Travel will typically range from local to intercontinental destinations.

Our Offer to You

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching - all starting on date of hire
• Tuition reimbursement, employee wellness programs, plus other perks and discounts
• Parental and caregiver leave policies
• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
• Global market strength and worldwide leadership in weighing
• A brand name that is identified worldwide with precision, quality, and innovation
• Thousands of patents, design and innovation awards
• A commitment to extraordinary service on our state-of-the-art equipment

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification. You can find more details in our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.

References

Visible links

1. https://www.mt.com/dam/sustainability/equal-employment/Equal_Employment_Opportunity_Policy.pdf

2. https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants

Note: This description reflects the current role and responsibilities; no additional job postings or unrelated content are included.