Patent Agent

Rite-Hite; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & well-being

Retirement savings

Paid holidays

Job summary

Rite-Hite, a global leader in loading dock and door equipment, seeks a Patent Agent to join our legal team in Milwaukee, WI. You will support patent prosecution strategies, work with inventors and engineers, and help grow the company’s IP portfolio across mechanical and automation technologies.

You will collaborate with outside counsel, conduct patent searches, and assist with freedom-to-operate analyses, while promoting a culture of innovation and IP awareness across the organization.

Qualifications

• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
• Minimum of 6 years patent experience in corporate or IP law firm.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international filing, prosecution, and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute patent prosecution strategies aligned with business goals.
• Collaborate with inventors, engineers, and stakeholders to protect innovations.
• Monitor patent trends and identify opportunities across mechanical, automation, and controls tech.
• Support outside counsel in patent applications in the U.S. and abroad.
• Conduct patent searches, freedom-to-operate, and patentability analyses.
• Provide IP enforcement support and technical expertise as needed.
• Support intercompany agreements, licensing, and ownership discussions.

Skills

USPTO registration

Engineering degree

Patent drafting

Patent prosecution

Analytical

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Job description

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead. Rite-Hite is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. In this position, you will play a critical role in supporting our legal department’s intellectual property function, with a particular emphasis on growing and protecting the company’s innovation through patents and designs.

In this Role, You Will

• Utilize extensive patent expertise to implement and execute patent prosecution strategies focused on strengthening claims that align with specific business goals and potential enforcement scenarios
• Support and drive IP strategy, collaborating with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment with business goals
• Monitor, analyze, identify opportunities leveraging patent trends and emerging complex technology trends in key areas relevant to the business
• Conduct ideation and patent harvesting activities to identify invention disclosures and innovation opportunities that support the business strategy
• Conduct and/or direct patent search and analysis efforts related to freedom-to-operate, patentability, partnerships, and competitive intelligence
• Partner with outside counsel in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, with a focus on mechanical, automation, controls, and related technologies
• Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance innovation and patent culture across the company
• Support IP enforcement matters, including providing technical expertise and patent analysis
• Provide cross-functional support in areas involving intercompany agreements, licensing, contracts, and ownership

Qualifications

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science discipline
• Minimum of at least 6 years of patent experience in a corporate legal department or IP law firm preferred
• Expert knowledge of U.S. and international patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance requirements
• Strong experience with patent searching, drafting, and prosecution
• Technical versatility and ability to work across a wide range of technologies
• Detail-oriented and analytical with excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively and proactively partner with legal, technical, and business teams
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with competitive monitoring a plus
• Manufacturing or engineering industry experience a plus

What We Offer

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.
• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.
• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you’re supported – at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.