Patent Docketing Coordinator

WilmerHale; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 116,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

WilmerHale is seeking a dedicated professional to join their Boston office as a part of the patent docketing team. This role involves maintaining patent docketing databases, reviewing correspondence for deadlines, and ensuring compliance with USPTO Rules. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

In addition to a competitive salary range of $85,000 - $116,400 annually, this position offers a hybrid work schedule and various benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Qualifications

• Prior IP prosecution experience in a relevant role preferred.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Strong attention to detail and high work standards.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming USPTO and correspondence for deadlines.
• Maintain patent docketing database and report on mail.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of patent rules.
• Support internal departments and clear client communications.

Skills

Strong knowledge of USPTO Rules

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

Strong computer skills (CPI, Word, Outlook, Access, IPDAS)

Education

BA/BS or equivalent experience

Job description

About the Role

Develops and promotes a collaborative atmosphere and provides confident, responsive support to clients, attorneys, paralegals and secretaries. Demonstrates a proactive and comprehensive approach to all aspects of docketing. Maintains the patent docketing database for all offices which include Boston, DC, New York, Denver and Palo Alto.

What You Will Be Doing

• Thoroughly reviews incoming USPTO and foreign associate correspondence daily for deadlines, enters appropriate information into the docketing database, reports and saves mail to client workspace working to complete process within one day. Bring any exceptions to the attention of the IP Docketing Supervisor.
• Enter new records into the docketing database from information contained in newly-filed patent applications, completes checklist and confirms filing package is filed in docketing workspace.
• Dedocket actions in the docketing database from information contained in newly-filed responses and other follow-on documents, complete checklist and move filing package in docketing workspace.
• Enters bar dates and target filing dates into CPI from information obtained from Patent Administrator's New Matter emails.
• Develops and maintains strong knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent rules and is attentive to proposed rule changes. Works with IP Staff Training & Docketing Manager and Patent Administrators to prepare for rule changes.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism, delivering high-quality service, and maintaining a positive, solution-oriented ("can-do") approach. Effectively supports internal departments, external clients, and vendors through clear, courteous communication via electronic correspondence, telephone, and in-person interactions.

What You Will Bring to This Position

• Strong knowledge of USPTO Rules.
• Professional demeanor, exacting attention to detail, high quality work standards, and the ability to prioritize and perform effectively under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills necessary.
• Ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong computer skills necessary with experience in CPI, Word, Outlook, Access, IPDAS.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Remains open to technological change as generative AI becomes more integrated into the firm's practice, actively develop comfort with new tools, and adapt how work is performed to support efficiency and innovation.

Education

• BA/BS or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Prior IP prosecution experience in the capacity of a secretary, paralegal or docketer preferred.

Why Join Us?

• A values-driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect.
• The hiring range for this position is $85,000 - $116,400 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
• This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• For additional information about our benefits, please click here.

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here.

Job Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Salary: $85,000 - $116,400 USD