Patent Services Assistant - Intellectual Property

Company: Troutman Pepper
Location: Mantua
Posted on: April 10, 2021

Job Description:

Summary: The Intellectual Property Services Assistant will provide support to the attorneys, patent agents, and paralegals while assisting the IP Practice Section to function in a consistent productive manner. The Assistant is responsive and ensures all documents received from clients, foreign agents, official U.S. Patent and Trademark Office "USPTO" and other government agencies are responded to timely and accurately. The ideal candidate ensures all day to day responsibilities are met under established policies and procedures while exercising discretion and confidentiality in maintaining contact with clients, attorneys, and staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for communicating and working with attorneys and other team members regarding all aspects of inbound and outbound patent prosecution work.
• Receive and act upon client instructions, including confirmation, acknowledgement of instructions and/or draft response to client inquiries related to prosecution of domestic applications.
• Clear daily docket in accordance with established firm guidelines and notify the docket department of any inaccuracies.
• Respond to inquiries from clients, attorneys, and other firm personnel regarding patent prosecution work.
• Review attorneys' client information to ensure addresses, special instructions, including billing requirements, are being followed in accordance with the clients' standard operating procedures.
• Responsible for organizing and providing follow-up to meet deadlines by working closely with the attorney and/or client teams or other members working on a client specific matter. Prioritize daily tasks and communicate daily if unable to meet responsibilities.
• Read, sort and associate incoming faxes, email, and postal mail with specific client matter numbers and ensure all incoming and outgoing mail is saved into the firm's document management system within one business day of receipt.
• Utilize USPTO and other related government agency electronic resources effectively.
• Create and maintain electronic worksheets as needed for clients or as instructed by an attorney or the IP Operations Manager.
• Search appropriate databases for patent and trademark technical literature, as necessary.
• Assist with preparation of a variety of routine correspondence such as client reporting letters, reminders, reports, and other patent-specific documents required by attorneys or other professional specialists.
• Assist with preparing and electronically filing various documents with the USPTO.
• Record billable and non-billable hours worked in the firm's time entry database.
• Ensure policies and procedures are routinely followed for assigned duties and in accordance with established firm guidelines.
• Provide coverage and support to other team members as needed.
• Perform other tasks as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Identify and respond to internal and external client inquiries in a timely manner and seek feedback/follow-up as appropriate.
  • The ability to read and comprehend materials involving legal and technical matters.
  • Strong attention to detail and with the ability to compose, review, and proofread all work for spelling, grammar, and accuracy.
  • The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Strong organizational skills. Able to work well independently and with others to manage daily priorities while meeting and accomplishing goals.
  • Demonstrate a keen sensitivity to urgent attorney requests. The ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in maintaining firm and client information.
  • Flexibility to manage demands outside of traditional business hours.
  • Possess a willingness to seek out and accept new responsibilities including professional development opportunities to enhance skills. Education and/or Experience:
    • A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a law firm or similar professional services environment.
    • Two (2) years of patent prosecution experience required.
    • Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Keywords: Troutman Pepper, Philadelphia , Patent Services Assistant - Intellectual Property, Other , Mantua, Pennsylvania