Patent Examination Policy Advisor

U.S. Department of Commerce; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA) seeks an experienced professional to develop, review and implement patent examination policies, procedures, rules and practices, including the MPEP, and to provide guidance on patent-related legal matters.

The role requires applying advanced engineering, scientific and legal principles to patent prosecution, interpreting laws and precedents, and communicating findings to staff for consistent decisions.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience required to examine patent applications and assess patentability.
• Ability to interpret and apply administrative laws, policies, and precedents.
• Experience analyzing technical, factual, and legal matters affecting industries.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and implement patent examination policies and the MPEP.
• Provide guidance and training on patent-related legal and policy matters.

Skills

Advanced engineering principles

Interpreting admin laws & regulations

Analyzing complex tech & legal matters

Job description

Are you up for an exciting challenge to work with the Office of Patent Legal Administration (OPLA), Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Patent Examination Policy? The incumbent will support the development, review, and implementation of patent examination policies, procedures, rules and practices, including the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure, and provide guidance and training on patent-related legal and policy matters.

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Patent Administration Series 1220.

Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-14.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Applying advanced engineering, scientific, and practical principles and methodologies to examine patent applications, assess patentability, and identify key issues. AND
• Interpreting and using administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents relevant to patent prosecution, reexamination, and reissue proceedings. AND
• Analyzing complex technical, factual, and legal matters to assess economic and technological impacts on major industries.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.?