Patent Coordinator

Patterson + Sheridan; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Patterson + Sheridan in Houston seeks a Patent Coordinator to provide comprehensive administrative and prosecution support to attorneys, patent agents, and clients throughout the patent lifecycle.

The role requires familiarity with USPTO procedures, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently. You will work with the Docketing team and Patent Operations leadership to ensure accurate filings and timely actions.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting patent prosecution and related procedures.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple attorneys, clients, matters, and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and escalate issues when needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with attorneys and clients.
• Proficiency with USPTO filing processes and related systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for U.S. and foreign patent matters from initial filing through issuance.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate documents for filing with the USPTO, including patent applications and related filings.
• Coordinate foreign patent prosecution activities with foreign associates and monitor correspondence.
• Review incoming USPTO and client correspondence and take appropriate action with the attorney.
• Maintain familiarity with procedures, billing, and reporting expectations.
• Monitor deadlines and collaborate with the Docketing team to ensure timely actions.
• Manage assigned attorney and client portfolios and identify potential issues.
• Communicate professionally with attorneys, clients, foreign associates, vendors, and firm staff.
• Delegate work to Patent Coordinator Assistants while reviewing for accuracy.
• Assist with opening new matters and maintaining client/matter information.
• Maintain accurate electronic files according to firm/client requirements.
• Support billing processes and ensure proper matter information.
• Participate in training and pursue knowledge of USPTO procedures.
• Utilize firm technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows with Patent Operations leadership.
• Provide backup support to other coordinators as needed.

Skills

Patent prosecution

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

USPTO systems

MS Office

Document management systems

Job description

The Patent Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative and prosecution support to attorneys, patent agents, and clients throughout the patent lifecycle, from new invention disclosures and application filing through prosecution and patent issuance.

Patent Coordinators are assigned to attorney and client teams and are responsible for understanding the practices, preferences, and requirements of the attorneys and clients they support. The position requires knowledge of patent prosecution procedures, exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to independently manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Patent Coordinators work collaboratively with attorneys, the Docketing team, other Patent Coordinators, Patent Coordinator Assistants, and the Patent Operations leadership team to ensure work is completed accurately, efficiently, and consistently.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support for U.S. and foreign patent matters from initial filing through issuance.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate documents for filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), including patent applications, responses, declarations, assignments, information disclosure statements, and other prosecution-related documents.
• Coordinate foreign patent prosecution activities with foreign associates, including transmitting instructions, monitoring correspondence, and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
• Review and process incoming USPTO, foreign associate, and client correspondence and take appropriate action in coordination with the responsible attorney.
• Maintain familiarity with attorney and client-specific procedures, billing requirements, matter information, and reporting expectations.
• Monitor deadlines and work collaboratively with attorneys and the Docketing team to ensure timely completion of required actions.
• Manage assigned attorney and client portfolios, proactively identifying upcoming needs, workload concerns, and potential issues.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with attorneys, clients, foreign associates, vendors, and other firm personnel.
• Coordinate with Patent Coordinator Assistants and appropriately delegate work while maintaining responsibility for reviewing completed assignments for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with opening new matters, maintaining accurate client and matter information, and supporting matter transfers and portfolio transitions.
• Maintain accurate electronic files and records in accordance with firm and client requirements.
• Support billing processes by ensuring accurate matter information and compliance with client billing requirements.
• Participate in training, cross-training, and professional development opportunities and maintain current knowledge of relevant USPTO procedures and firm processes.
• Utilize firm technology, systems, templates, and approved automation tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and collaborate with Patent Operations leadership on process improvements.
• Provide backup support to other Patent Coordinators and attorney teams as workload and business needs require.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive client and firm information.
• Perform other duties and special projects as needed to support the Patent Operations team and the firm's clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting patent prosecution in a law firm, corporate legal department, or similar intellectual property environment preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple attorneys, clients, matters, and competing deadlines while maintaining appropriate priorities.
• Ability to maintain a high level of productivity in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, efficiently transitioning between tasks while remaining accurate and responsive.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, identify issues, and exercise sound judgment, including knowing when to elevate questions or concerns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional, service-oriented approach to working with attorneys, clients, and colleagues.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate, share knowledge, provide backup support, and contribute to the success of the broader Patent Operations team.
• Comfort learning and adopting new technologies, systems, and processes, with an interest in using technology to improve efficiency.
• Working knowledge of U.S. patent prosecution procedures and USPTO rules, practices, and electronic filing systems preferred.
• Experience coordinating foreign patent prosecution and communicating with foreign associates preferred.
• Experience with intellectual property management systems, document management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and USPTO systems preferred.
• Bachelor's degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Patterson + Sheridan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our recruiting program is based on hiring practices without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, handicap, or veteran status.