Patent Prosecution Associate

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

401(k) with match and profit sharing

Subsidized parking and transportation

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Fortem IP LLP in Seattle is seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate with 2 to 4 years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution. Candidates must have a degree in mechanical or biomedical engineering, excellent communication skills, and an ability to thrive in a collaborative environment. The role offers a salary ranging from $160,000 to $240,000, with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as 401(k) matching and profit sharing.

Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm.
• Undergraduate degree in a technical field; advanced degree is preferred.
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications.
• Respond to office actions and manage prosecution matters.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Collaborate with clients and in-house teams on patent strategy.
• Support the development of client IP portfolios.

Skills

Patent prosecution experience

Legal analysis

Writing skills

Verbal communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or biomedical engineering

Advanced degree or equivalent industry experience

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.

To apply, please include a resume, full academic transcripts (law school, undergraduate, and graduate transcripts), and two writing samples: (1) an application drafted by the candidate, and (2) an office action response with persuasive argument drafted by the candidate.

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.