Patent Prosecution Associate

Harness IP; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Harness IP, a leading patent law firm in Herndon, VA, seeks a Patent Prosecution Associate with 3–5 years of patent prosecution experience and a chemical sciences background. The position offers a hybrid work environment and opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Required: JD from an accredited law school, DC/VA bar admission, USPTO registration, and a chemistry-related degree. Strong research, writing, and communication skills are essential to interact with clients and

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to DC and/or VA Bar in good standing.
• Registered to practice before USPTO (patent bar).
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in Chemical Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Review and revise foreign-origin patent applications for U.S. filing.
• Prepare and respond to Office Actions before USPTO.
• Collaborate with clients, inventors and attorneys through the prosecution process.
• Maintain active state bar membership and complete CLE annually.
• Comply with professional conduct rules and insurer requirements.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Bar admission: DC/VA

USPTO registration

Chemistry/Chemical Engineering degree

Job description

Harness IP is a leading intellectual property law firm consistently ranked among the top ten patent law firms in the U.S. We are seeking a highly motivated Patent Prosecution Associate to join our Herndon, VA office. This position is ideal for an attorney with at least 3-5 years of patent prosecution experience and a technical background in Chemical Sciences.

Harness IP offers a hybrid work environment, providing flexibility while fostering professional development and collaboration.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Review and revise foreign-origin patent applications for U.S. filing.
• Prepare and respond to Office Actions before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Collaborate with clients, inventors, and attorneys throughout the patent prosecution process.
• Maintain active membership in the state bar and complete all required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements annually.
• Adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct of the applicable state bar and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (if applicable), while complying with the firm’s professional liability insurer’s requirements.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the DC and/or VA state bar in good standing.
• At least 3 -5 years of patent prosecution experience required.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in Chemical Sciences, including chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and law school transcript.