Patent Associate — Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing

MNF Global; Houston (TX); Sur place; USD 270 000 - 320 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health coverage

401(k) plan and profit sharing

PTO and paid holidays

Backup childcare and eldercare

Résumé du poste

MNF Global in Houston seeks a Patent Associate for Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing. The role blends sophisticated patent prep with strategic counseling and portfolio development.

You will work with inventors and client teams to protect innovations in software, computing infrastructure, and intelligent systems, across multiple tech domains.

Qualifications

• J.D. and US bar admission with USPTO registration.
• Degree in CS/CE/EE/Math/Physics or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant law firm experience in software-related prosecutions.

Responsabilités

• Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications and coordinate foreign prosecution.
• Conduct inventor interviews and identify patentable features in complex technical disclosures.
• Develop claims and prosecution strategies, prepare Office Action responses and conduct examiner interviews.
• Help develop patent portfolios aligned with clients’ products and commercial priorities.
• Collaborate directly with inventors and client legal teams on ongoing prosecution matters.
• Support FTO, infringement and validity analyses, portfolio evaluations and IP due diligence as assignments grow.

Connaissances

Patent prosecution

Technical writing

Software/AI background

Communication skills

Formation

J.D.

Bar admission (US)

USPTO registration

CS/CE/EE/Math/Physics degree

Description du poste

Patent Associate — Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing

Houston, United States | Posted on 11/09/2026

Patent Prosecution Associate — Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing

A national law firm seeks a patent prosecution associate with a strong software or computing background. The position combines sophisticated patent preparation and prosecution with opportunities to support portfolio development and strategic patent counseling.

The associate will work with inventors, in-house counsel and experienced patent practitioners to protect innovations in software, computing infrastructure and intelligent systems.

Technical Focus

Relevant experience includes one or more of the following:

AI/ML, predictive modeling and data analytics.

Cloud computing, virtualization, databases and distributed systems.

Image processing, digital imaging and autonomous systems.

Cybersecurity, encryption and authentication.

Computer architecture, networking and wireless communications.

The broader practice also includes robotics, financial technology, healthcare software and connected devices. Candidates do not need experience in every technical area.

Responsibilities

Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications and coordinate foreign prosecution.

Conduct inventor interviews and identify patentable features in complex technical disclosures.

Develop claims and prosecution strategies, prepare Office Action responses and conduct examiner interviews.

Help develop patent portfolios aligned with clients’ products and commercial priorities.

Collaborate directly with inventors and client legal teams on ongoing prosecution matters.

Depending on experience and assignments, support FTO, infringement and validity analyses, portfolio evaluations and IP due diligence.

Requirements

J.D., admission to a U.S. state bar and USPTO registration.

Degree in CS, CE, EE, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related field.

Three or more years of relevant law firm experience preferred, with substantive preparation and prosecution experience involving software or related technologies.

Strong technical analysis, writing and communication skills.

Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively.

The anticipated annual base salary range is $270,000–$320,000 . Actual base salary will depend on office location, relevant experience, technical background, qualifications and other job-related factors.

• Health coverage: Medical, dental and vision insurance, plus HSA and FSA options.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan and profit sharing.
• Paid time off: PTO and paid holidays.
• Family support: Backup childcare and eldercare.