Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property

Gemological Institute of America; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Gemological Institute of America, headquartered in Carlsbad, California, seeks an experienced Intellectual Property Senior Paralegal to support global IP portfolios including trademarks, patents and copyrights. You will partner with the Legal Affairs team and external counsel to safeguard assets and drive innovation strategy.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years IP paralegal experience, US and international IP knowledge, and strong docketing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field and 5+ years of IP paralegal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program required
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trademark and patent systems, procedures and filings
• Experience managing IP databases/docketing systems

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the company’s domestic and international trademark and patent portfolios
• Coordinate and track filings, renewals, and deadlines with outside counsel
• Monitor IP watch notices, assist with clearance searches, and support enforcement efforts
• Maintain IP records and databases, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting
• Assist with IP-related agreements, audits, and due diligence projects
• Provide general support on copyright, licensing, and other IP matters as needed

Skills

English proficiency

Clear communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Time management

Accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Paralegal certificate

Tools

IP docketing systems

Job description

Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 800 of its 3,400 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

Location

This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. Hybrid work schedule. Required to work at least 3 days at Carlsbad, CA office.

What to expect

• competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Commuter benefits

The Environment

• On‑site cafe – affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks!
• Economic friendly services – electric vehicle charging stations on‑site
• Ergonomic assessments offered on‑site and virtually

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Intellectual Property Senior Paralegal to join our in‑house legal team. In this role, you will support the management and protection of the company’s global IP portfolio, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. You will work closely with the Legal Affairs team, business stakeholders, and external counsel to help safeguard and grow our valuable IP assets. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, business‑focused environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the Institute’s brand and innovation strategy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the company’s domestic and international trademark and patent portfolios
• Coordinate and track filings, renewals, and deadlines with outside counsel
• Monitor IP watch notices, assist with clearance searches, and support enforcement efforts
• Maintain IP records and databases, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting
• Assist with IP‑related agreements, audits, and due diligence projects
• Provide general support on copyright, licensing, and other IP matters as needed

Skills & Abilities

• Language skills: Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English required
• Communication skills: ability to communicate complex info in a simplified and clear manner; can communicate effectively with others, able to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult or complex information. Actively listens and encourages the open expression of diverse ideas
• Interpersonal skills: ability to create positive interactions with colleagues; actively communicates with co‑workers or with management in a timely & professional manner; maintains collaborative working relationship with others and peers to improve performance
• Teamwork: Interface well with others, knows who to go to and how to communicate issues/needs. Knows how to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders
• Problem Solving: Works on complex issues, requiring the ability to synthesize and analyze multiple sources of information to independently solve problems requiring strong judgement and decision‑making abilities
• Time Management/ Organizational skills: Manages time and priorities appropriately - approaches work in an organized and systematic manner. Able to manage large projects and deadlines
• Flexibility: able to adapt to change, able to multi‑task while maintaining attention to detail. Able to adapt communication styles. Understands that different situations may call for different approaches
• Personal Accountability: continually improves performance; takes personal accountability for decisions, actions & outcomes. Follows through on commitments and encourages others do the same

Key Responsibilities / Deliverables

Weight / % of Time 6-12 bullet points of key functions and tasks sorted by importance from highest to lowest, or sorted by the amount of time spent from most to least, ...

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field, and 5+ years of IP paralegal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program required
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trademark and patent systems, procedures and filings (e.g.: USPTO, WIPO, EUIPO).
• Experience managing IP databases/docketing systems.
• Proficiency in IP docketing systems

Pay Range

$82-117K Annually

An Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Working at GIA

With a reach that spans the globe — GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry through cutting edge gemological research and rigorous education programs. We have shaped the gem industry, protected millions of consumers and taught generations of jewelers and gemologists all over the world since 1931. Comprising over 3,000 employees in 13 countries, GIA is a place of diversity, innovation, creativity and engagement. Whether you are passionate about science, history, design, education, IT or a corporate career, GIA has a place for you. Join one of the world’s most colorful and brilliant industries with an organization that serves the public good by bringing knowledge and objectivity to gems and jewelry.

What GIA Does

Research that deepens the world’s understanding of gems and jewelry manufacturing and shares these findings with academia, the industry, and the gem‑buying public.

Education that builds careers and enhances the knowledge and integrity of the gem and jewelry industry.

Standard setting that protects those who buy gems by ensuring the qualities of gems and jewelry are objectively and consistently described.

Laboratory services that provide an unbiased and scientific assessment of gem quality.

Employee Benefits

GIA offers competitive salaries and exceptional benefits as well as training opportunities to employees all over the globe.

Additional EEO Statements

An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Crime Statistics (For U.S. Only)

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, GIA's current annual crime statistics are available at: Clery Report: Annual Disclosure of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics