Patent Attorney

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Vacation days: 25 days per year + 4–7/

Free parking and public transport

Onsite restaurant with employee prices

Employee discounts

Job summary

METTLER TOLEDO is seeking a Patent Attorney to join our in-house IP team. You will manage the patent process from disclosure to grant, conduct prior art searches, and coordinate with engineers and product managers across our global organization.

The ideal candidate has a USPTO Patent Agent registration and at least 3 years of patent prosecution experience, with familiarity in international patent systems. You will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment protecting our innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field.
• Registered Patent Agent with the USPTO.
• Minimum 3 years of patent prosecution experience.
• Familiarity with international patent systems (PCT, EPO; China knowledge a plus).
• Strong understanding of patent law and IP management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage patent deadlines and workflows with precision.
• Highly organized with strong project management and teamwork with diverse international colleagues.
• Collaborate with inventors and product teams to identify patentable inventions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure freedom to operate for new products.
• Manage patent applications from disclosure through grant.
• Deliver cross-functional patent support across business units.
• Analyze patent landscape with the search team to identify barriers/opportunities.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications across jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with inventors and product teams to evaluate inventions.
• Draft/revise patent claims and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with patent laws and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor deadlines and office actions; coordinate with external law firms.
• Support development of patent strategies aligned with business goals.
• Provide training on patent processes to stakeholders.
• Support enforcement efforts with IP/legal team.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Communication

Project management

Deadline management

International collaboration

Organizational skills

IP strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences

USPTO Patent Agent registration

Job description

About Mettler Toledo

METTLER TOLEDO is a global leader in precision instruments and services. We are renowned for innovation and quality across laboratory, process analytics, industrial, product inspection, and retailing applications. Our sales and service network is one of the most extensive in the industry. Our products are sold in more than 140 countries, and we have a direct presence in approximately 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.mt.com.

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Patent Attorney to join our global in-house IP team reporting to the head Global IP. You will play an important role in our global IP team, working alongside colleagues in Switzerland, India, and China. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who has a strong background in intellectual property and is eager to contribute to the innovative work we do. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of patent law and its application within our industry, enabling them to provide invaluable support in protecting our intellectual property assets. You will be responsible for managing the patent application process from inception to grant, overseeing prior art searches, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and ensuring freedom to operate for new products. As part of our global IP team, you will collaborate with engineers and product managers to identify and assess patentable inventions, ensure strong protection, and provide strategic guidance on patent portfolio management. Your contributions will play a critical role in safeguarding our company's innovations and enhancing our competitive advantage in the market. We are looking for a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about driving innovation through intellectual property protection. If you are a proactive, organized, and analytical thinker, we encourage you to apply for this unique opportunity to contribute to our success as a Patent Agent in-house.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure our new products have freedom to operate.
• Manage the patent application process for assigned business units from initial disclosure through grant
• Deliver cross-functional patent support across multiple business units, proactively managing and prioritizing diverse intellectual property responsibilities based on project stage and strategic milestones.
• With the support of our search team, conduct comprehensive analyses of the patent landscape to identify potential barriers and opportunities.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications across various jurisdictions in collaboration with external law firms.
• Collaborate closely with inventors and product teams to identify and evaluate patentable inventions.
• Draft and revise patent claims and support documentation for patent applications.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant patent laws and regulations throughout the application process.
• Monitor and manage deadlines for patent filings and office actions.
• Assist in developing and implementing patent strategies that align with business objectives
• Provide training and guidance to stakeholders to enhance understanding of patent processes, and intellectual property rights.
• Support enforcement cases collaboratively with members of the broader IP and legal team to ensure effective protection of intellectual property rights.

What You Need to Succeed

Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as engineering, natural sciences, or life sciences.
• Registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in-house or in a law firm setting
• Familiarity with international patent systems, including PCT filings. Experience with EPO and Chinese practices is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of patent law and intellectual property management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze technical documentation and assess patentability.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage patent-related deadlines and workflows with precision, ensuring timely filings and zero case lapses through diligent follow-up with internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with a diverse international team to foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.

Our Offer to You

We offer:

• Flexible working hours (depending on the role), a hybrid work model, and a wide portfolio of training opportunities
• A 40-hour work week with at least 25 vacation days per year, plus 4 to 7 additional days off between bank holidays
• Free parking and direct access to public transport
• Healthy lunches cooked onsite at our own METTLER TOLEDO restaurant, with special prices for employees
• A range of additional attractive benefits, including employee discounts at select area businesses

You can expect challenging, interesting, and varied tasks in an innovative and international environment, with the opportunity to network globally and achieve your career goals.

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact our Talent Acquisition Team [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected classification. You can find more details in our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.