Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent in San Francisco to prepare original patent applications and respond to USPTO office actions. The role requires USPTO registration and a degree in Engineering or Science, with experience in patent drafting and prosecution.

The ideal candidate will handle routine USPTO correspondence, perform patentability searches, and contribute to a proactive IP team. The firm offers a hybrid work option and strong benefits.

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.
• Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

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.

Skills

Patent drafting

Patent prosecution

USPTO registration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Harvey

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.