Patent Agent — Mechanical & Automation IP Strategy

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

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.