IP Assistant

Summary: Under direct supervision of the IP Department attorneys, and according to established policies and procedures, the IP Assistant performs a variety of docketing, file maintenance, document and correspondence preparation, and other related duties. A qualified candidate should have a minimum of two years’ experience working as an Intellectual Property Assistant with U.S., PCT and foreign patent applications, ability to prepare associated documents and correspondence, and have a strong understanding of the life cycle of a patent and associated deadlines and procedures. Key Responsibilities:

• Reviews incoming mail for assigned attorney(s) and drafts appropriate correspondence and documents in response.
• Reviews and maintains weekly docket; coordinates with attorneys regarding deadlines.
• Prepares documents, instruction letters and filings of all PCT and direct-filed foreign applications.
• Coordinates execution and legalization of U.S. and foreign formal documents, as required.
• Prepares U.S. and foreign reporting and reminder letters.
• Prepares and electronically files with the USPTO documents such as, but not limited to: new U.S. and PCT applications, Information Disclosure Statements, Issue Fees, Formal Drawings, Assignments, Declarations, Extensions of Time, Powers of Attorney and Responses to Office Actions.
• Prepares docket and portfolio reports as requested. Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum two years’ experience as a Patent Legal Assistant
• Strong understanding of patent prosecution process and associated correspondence and deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail with good analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to understand and maintain a daily docket.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong grammar, spelling and proofreading skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to communicate with a diverse group of attorneys and staff, and on occasion with foreign associates and representatives from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Must be able to accurately follow instructions from attorneys and staff, and provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Computer and database skills, including Word, Excel, Outlook and iManage. Experience using CPi preferred but not required.
• Work occasionally requires a high level of mental and visual effort when performing a high-volume of tasks and other essential duties under deadline. Working Conditions:
• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement: Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.

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