Patent Prosecution Associate

Fortem IP LLP; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with match

Parking and transportation benefits

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Fortem IP LLP is seeking a patent prosecution associate with 2–4 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience in a law firm. Qualified candidates hold an engineering degree in mechanical or biomedical fields and a USPTO registration; an advanced degree is preferred.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills are essential for mentorship-minded, collaborative work in a small firm environment. Responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting U.S.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
• Undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering.
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications in mechanical and biomedical engineering-related technologies.
• Respond to office actions, manage ongoing prosecution matters, and maintain a well-organized docket.
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and landscape analyses to support client counseling and strategic IP decisions.
• Collaborate closely with clients, inventors, and in-house teams to align patent strategy with business objectives.
• Work closely with other attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality work product.
• Support the development and protection of client IP portfolios through clear communication and sound judgment.
• This role requires in-office presence 3-4 days per week.

Skills

Patent drafting

Office actions

Legal analysis

Verbal communications

Education

Undergraduate degree in mechanical or biomedical engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Fortem IP is seeking a patent prosecution associate with two to four years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution at a law firm. Candidates should have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering (or similar technical field) and a USPTO registration number; an advanced degree or equivalent industry experience is preferred. This role is well-suited for individuals with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills who are eager to deepen their training, gain exposure to sophisticated work, and advance their careers in a collaborative, mentorship-focused small firm environment.

Job Description:

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications in mechanical and biomedical engineering-related technologies
• Respond to office actions, manage ongoing prosecution matters, and maintain a well-organized docket.
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and landscape analyses to support client counseling and strategic IP decisions.
• Collaborate closely with clients, inventors, and in-house teams to understand technical innovations and align patent strategy with business objectives.
• Work closely with other attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals to ensure efficient workflow, high-quality work product, and consistent client service.
• Support the development and protection of client IP portfolios through clear communication, sound judgment, and practical recommendations.
• This role requires in-office presence 3-4 days per week.

Qualifications:

• 2 to 4 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm
• Undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering (or similar technical field); an advanced degree or equivalent industry experience is preferred
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Admission to practice and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

The anticipated salary range for this position is $160,000 to $240,000, with eligibility for a performance-based bonus. The actual base salary offered may depend upon a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Fortem offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with match and profit sharing; subsidized parking and transportation; and wellness benefits.