Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods LLP seeks a Patent Agent to prepare original patent applications, respond to USPTO actions, and communicate with the USPTO. A USPTO registration and a degree in Engineering or Chemistry are required, with experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.

The firm emphasizes a hybrid remote option, a long-standing history since 1834, and a commitment to protecting client innovations with thoughtful, efficient strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science with 3+ years drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications.
• Must be registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Strong communication and organizational skills; able to meet deadlines.
• Interest in using AI tools (Harvey, Copilot) to support high-impact work.

Responsibilities

• Writes patent applications for filing at USPTO.
• Analyzes and revises patent agreements; assists with appeals and reissues.
• Drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
• Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
• Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches and docket maintenance.

Skills

Patent drafting

Client communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

USPTO registration

Harvey AI

Copilot AI

Job description

Overview

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, and experience and interest preparing patent applications.

Overview

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, and experience and interest preparing patent applications.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities

• Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
• Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, inferences, reexaminations, interviews and reissues.
• Negotiates and drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
• Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
• Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches, publication clearance reviews and assists in maintaining an active prosecution docket.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm.
• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.