Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Salt Lake City (UT); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Parental leave

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Salt Lake City seeks a Patent Paralegal to manage U.S. and foreign patent prosecution dockets, ensure deadlines are met, draft original correspondence, and support attorneys in portfolio management.

The role is hybrid with on-site requirements; ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree or paralegal program, 2–5 years of related experience, excellent communication, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with patent databases is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or completion of a paralegal program, or equivalent IP experience.
• 2–5 years of related patent paralegal experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of patent docketing, filing, and process; familiarity with USPTO systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage U.S. and foreign patent prosecution dockets and deadlines.
• Draft and send correspondence to clients regarding patent events and status updates.
• Assist attorneys with management of patent portfolios and file accuracy.
• Prepare patent prosecution documents for new applications, examinations, and appeals.
• Coordinate with local counsel on international patent matters and documentation.
• Create and maintain IP docket information databases and monitor milestones.
• Support due diligence projects and conduct basic online searches as needed.
• Navigate USPTO/online databases for status updates and filing requirements.
• Communicate instructions to clients and internal teams; exercise professional judgment.
• Performs other tasks as directed by attorneys.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Deadline management

Problem solving

Client service focus

Education

Bachelor's degree or paralegal program

Tools

USPTO databases

International patent databases

Docketing software (Foundation IP preferred)

Job description

Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Salt Lake City seeks a Patent Paralegal to manage U.S. and foreign patent prosecution dockets, ensure deadlines are met, draft original correspondence, and support attorneys in portfolio management.

The role is hybrid with on-site requirements; ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree or paralegal program, 2–5 years of related experience, excellent communication, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with patent databases is a plus.