Patent Agent

Husch Blackwell; Springfield (MO); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Husch Blackwell LLP is seeking a Patent Agent with 3+ years of experience to join our team. This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications within a collaborative group of patent agents, engineers, and partners in the TMT unit.

Ideal candidates will hold a USPTO Patent Agent registration, have strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a background in engineering disciplines. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3+ years patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Prosecuting patent applications, including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
• Drafting high-quality patent applications with detailed descriptions and figures.
• Conducting and analyzing patent searches to identify prior art and assess patentability.
• Staying up to date on developments in U.S. patent law and technologies.
• Meet a billable hour requirement of 1500-1700 hours per year.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Technical writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Patent prosecution

AI/Quantum computing knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

USPTO Patent Agent registration

Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have an immediate opening for a Patent Agent with three or more (preferably 6+) years of experience. We will consider candidates for any of our offices including our virtual office, The Link.

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Our Intellectual Property litigation and transactional practices are significantly expanding throughout the country. The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15+ paralegals. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The program manager focuses on the professional development of patents agents and engineers and assists with workload management.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

• Prosecuting patent applications, including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
• Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
• Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
• Staying up to date on developments in U.S. patent law and relevant technologies.
• Meet a billable hour requirement of 1500 - 1700 hours per year.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.
• Three or more years (preferably 6+) of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm environment.
• Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Registered as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Artificial Intelligence or Quantum Computing experience a plus.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

Compensation And Benefits

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The full time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $100,000– $170,000. Salary will vary depending on market data. Bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.

Principal Applicants Only.