Patent Paralegal

Apple Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Austin, Texas seeks an experienced patent specialist to support its patent prosecution team. You will work with internal patent counsel and outside counsel to advance prosecution strategies and processes.

Responsibilities include managing annuities and deadlines, supporting outside counsel operations, and contributing to documentation of practices. A cross-functional, detail‑oriented approach is essential for success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of paralegal experience in US and foreign patent prosecution.
• Attention to detail for docketing and patent documents.
• Familiarity with PCT practice, annuities, foreign filing deadlines.
• Experience with IP management systems and patent tools.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and managing patent annuities and foreign filing deadlines
• Overseeing and managing outside counsel support administration
• Providing backup support for other members of the Patent Services and Operations team
• Supporting the documentation of prosecution practices and procedures
• Working cross-functionally within the patent team or other legal teams

Skills

Paralegal experience

Docketing accuracy

Patent prosecution knowledge

Excel

Tools

CPI

Anaqua

USPTO Patent Center

Espacenet

Job description

Austin, Texas, United States Corporate Functions

Would you like working at a successful company that is equal to none? Are you an experienced patent prosecution support professional? Are you passionate and proud of the work you do? Do you like challenges? You will be challenged to apply your expertise and knowledge in all aspects of patent prosecution to support Apple’s patent team.

Description

We seek to hire an experienced patent specialist. You will work with Apple internal patent counsel as well as outside counsel, in support of the patent prosecution processes and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and managing patent annuities and foreign filing deadlines
• Overseeing and managing outside counsel support administration
• Providing backup support for other members of the Patent Services and Operations team
• Supporting the documentation of prosecution practices and procedures
• Working cross-functionally within the patent team or other legal teams

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of paralegal experience in both US and Foreign patent prosecution.
• Strong critical thinking and attention to detail for identifying potential errors in docketing and patent prosecution documents, as well as facilitating resolution of the error(s).
• Strong proficiency in US and foreign patent prosecution procedures, rules, and regulations including PCT practice, annuities, patent terms, and foreign filing deadlines and practices.
• Experience using commercial IP Management Systems (e.g., CPI, Anaqua), USPTO Patent Center, Espacenet, and other patent-search and database tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative team player, able to share responsibility and work cohesively with others.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Design-specific patent prosecution and deadline management experience.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.