Trademark Operations Manager

Buchanan; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking a Trademark Operations Manager to lead the administrative and operational functions of our Trademark practice. This role offers hybrid work and may sit in SF, Silicon Valley, Santa Monica, Seattle, Boston, NYC, or D.C., collaborating with attorneys and staff to drive efficiency and consistency.

Ideal candidates bring 6+ years in trademark prosecution ops with leadership experience, strong docketing knowledge, and a proactive drive to modernize processes using AI and new tools.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in U.S. and foreign trademark prosecution operations, with 3-4+ years in leadership/management.
• Strong knowledge of trademark prosecution, docketing, and practice management systems.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing professional teams.
• A proactive, process-minded leader who enjoys improving how teams work.
• Curiosity around AI, technology, and new ways to make legal operations more efficient.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Trademark Paralegals, Practice Assistants, and a Transfer Specialist, with responsibility for workflow, performance, productivity, and professional development.
• Oversee trademark operations and workflows, ensuring matters are handled accurately, efficiently, and consistently.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, redistribute resources, and implement new tools and ways of working.
• Partner closely with attorneys and practice leadership on staffing, capacity planning, business needs, and operational strategy.
• Maintain and evolve procedures, training materials, and resources for the Trademark team.
• Stay current on USPTO practices and procedural developments and translate changes into practical updates, training, and process improvements.
• Help drive change and innovation across the practice, including the thoughtful use of AI and emerging technology.
• Travel quarterly to U.S. offices to connect with Trademark team members.

Skills

Trademark operations

Team leadership

Process improvement

AI in legal ops

Capacity planning

Tools

Trademark docketing systems

Job description

Our client is a highly regarded global law firm known for its sophisticated legal practices, collaborative culture, and forward-thinking approach to innovation. They are seeking a Trademark Operations Manager to lead the administrative and operational functions of their Trademark practice.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a trademark professional who enjoys building strong teams, improving processes, and creating structure around complex, high-volume operations. You’ll work closely with trademark attorneys, paralegals, practice leadership, and support teams to drive efficiency, consistency, and exceptional service across the practice.

This role will be hybrid and can sit in SF, Silicon Valley, Santa Monica, Seattle, Boston, NYC, or D.C.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of Trademark Paralegals, Practice Assistants, and a Transfer Specialist, with responsibility for workflow, performance, productivity, and professional development.
• Oversee trademark operations and workflows, ensuring matters are handled accurately, efficiently, and consistently.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, redistribute resources, and implement new tools and ways of working.
• Partner closely with attorneys and practice leadership on staffing, capacity planning, business needs, and operational strategy.
• Maintain and evolve procedures, training materials, and resources for the Trademark team.
• Stay current on USPTO practices and procedural developments and translate changes into practical updates, training, and process improvements.
• Help drive change and innovation across the practice, including the thoughtful use of AI and emerging technology.
• Travel quarterly to U.S. offices to connect with Trademark team members.

Key Requirements:

• 6+ years of experience in U.S. and foreign trademark prosecution operations, with 3-4+ years in a leadership/management capacity.
• Strong knowledge of trademark prosecution, docketing, and practice management systems.
• Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing professional teams.
• A proactive, process-minded leader who enjoys improving how teams work.
• Curiosity around AI, technology, and new ways to make legal operations more efficient.