Patent Prosecution Assistant

Jobtailor; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Patent Prosecution Assistant to support IDS workflows for a dynamic IP practice. You will prepare and file IDS forms, track prior art, and maintain reference databases while ensuring USPTO compliance.

Ideal candidates bring 1–2 years of administrative IP experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and precise data handling. You will collaborate across teams to meet deadlines and help with billing invoices.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
• Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and IP management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills/software as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and filing IDS forms and ensure proper reference formatting per USPTO rules.
• Track and compile prior art references across U.S. and foreign patent families.
• Maintain IDS reference databases or tracking sheets for accurate records.
• Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
• Prepare, review, and edit billing invoices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication

Willingness to learn

Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

IP management systems

USPTO EFS-Web

Patent Center

Job description

Responsibilities

• The Patent Prosecution Assistant plays a key role in supporting the firm’s IDS segment.
• Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules.
• Track and compile prior art references cited in related cases across U.S. and foreign patent families.
• Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
• Prepare, review and edit billing invoices.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
• Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with IP management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills/software as needed.