Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote option

Excellent benefits

Job summary

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team in a role that focuses on preparing original patent applications and responses to USPTO actions. The ideal candidate will be registered with the USPTO and hold a degree in Engineering or Chemistry, with experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm setting.

McGuireWoods emphasizes excellent benefits and offers a hybrid remote option to support flexibility and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Requires registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
• At least three years drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications with the USPTO for an IP law firm.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond to clients, employees and management, including confidential communications.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under deadlines.
• Interest in using AI tools like Harvey and Copilot to support high-impact work.

Responsibilities

• Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
• Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, 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 maintains an active prosecution docket.

Skills

USPTO registration

Patent drafting

Patent prosecution

Client communication

Time management

Self-motivation

AI tools awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Harvey AI

Copilot

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.