Patent Paralegal

Apple Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Product discounts

Education reimbursement

Bonuses or relocation

Job summary

Apple Inc. seeks an experienced patent specialist to support its patent prosecution team, working with internal counsel and outside counsel. You will help manage deadlines, filings, and documentation across US and foreign patents.

Responsibilities include docketing, coordinating outside counsel, and contributing to prosecution practices while collaborating with cross-functional legal teams. A strong paralegal background and IP tooling experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of paralegal experience in US and foreign patent prosecution.
• Strong attention to detail for docketing and prosecution documents.
• Proficiency in US and foreign patent prosecution procedures including PCT, annuities, patent terms, and deadlines.
• Experience using IP management systems (e.g., CPI, Anaqua) and patent databases such as USPTO Patent Center and Espacenet.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patent annuities and foreign filing deadlines.
• Oversee outside counsel support administration.
• Provide backup support for Patent Services and Operations team.
• Support documentation of prosecution practices and procedures.
• Work cross-functionally within the patent team or other legal teams.

Skills

Paralegal experience

Docketing accuracy

Attention to detail

Cross-functional teamwork

MS Excel

Tools

CPI

Anaqua

USPTO Patent Center

Espacenet

Job description

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.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $51.54 and $77.33/hr, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

You’ll also receive benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• a range of discounted products and free services
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation

Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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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