Patent Associate — Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing

MNF Global; Washington; On-site; USD 270,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plan

PTO & holidays

Backup childcare & eldercare

Job summary

MNF Global is seeking a Patent Associate with a software, AI/ML and advanced computing background to handle patent preparation and prosecution for cutting-edge technologies.

The role involves working with inventors, in-house counsel and senior practitioners to protect innovations in software, computing infrastructure and intelligent systems, with duties spanning drafting, interviews and portfolio development.

Qualifications

• J.D. with admission to a U.S. state bar and USPTO registration is required.
• Strong technical analysis, writing and communication skills are essential.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications and coordinate foreign prosecution.
• Identify patentable features in complex disclosures through inventor interviews.
• Develop claims and prosecution strategies; prepare Office Action responses and examiner interviews.
• Support portfolio development aligned with clients’ products and priorities.
• Collaborate with inventors and client teams on ongoing prosecution matters.
• Provide FTO, infringement and validity analyses and IP due diligence as assigned.

Skills

Technical analysis

Writing ability

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

J.D. (US)

Job description

Patent Associate — Software, AI/ML & Advanced Computing

Washington, United States

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.