Patent Agent

Rite-Hite Company; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Well-being benefits

401(k) with profit sharing

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Rite-Hite seeks a Patent Agent to join our legal team in Milwaukee. You will support our IP function by growing and protecting the company's patents and designs, collaborating with inventors and engineers to align with business goals.

The role emphasizes prosecution strategy, patent searches, and coordinating with outside counsel on U.S. and international filings across mechanical, automation, and related technologies.

Qualifications

• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• Minimum of 6 years of patent experience in a corporate legal department or IP law firm.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. and international patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance requirements.
• Strong experience with patent searching, drafting, and prosecution.
• Ability to work across a wide range of technologies.
• Detail-oriented and analytical with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to partner with legal, technical, and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Utilize patent expertise to implement prosecution strategies aligned with business goals.
• Support and drive IP strategy, collaborating with inventors, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyze patent trends and technology developments relevant to the business.
• Conduct ideation and patent harvesting to identify invention disclosures.
• Direct patent search and analysis for freedom-to-operate, patentability, partnerships, and competition.
• Partner with outside counsel to prepare and prosecute patent applications in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on mechanical, automation, controls, and related tech.
• Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance patent culture across the company.
• Assist IP enforcement matters with technical expertise and patent analysis.
• Provide cross-functional support in intercompany agreements, licensing, and ownership.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Patent searching

Drafting patents

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical versatility

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

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

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• 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.