Technical Advisor / Patent Agent (EE/CS/ME degree)

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Technical Advisor or Patent Agent with 2-5 years of experience to join its Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group, Patent Development and Strategy Subgroup for our Boston, Philadelphia, Palo Alto, Pittsburgh or Seattle office. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Candidates who have litigation, opinions, licensing, patent due diligence, and/or trademark experience are preferred, but not required. Candidates must have a EE, CS, or ME degree. All candidates must be registered with the USPTO.

Responsibilities

• Drafts patent applications.
• Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
• Works closely with attorneys for patent preparation and prosecution.
• Drafts instructions to foreign patent agents in response to office actions.
• Maintains a detailed understanding of products and technical developments.
• Conducts patentability studies and drafts related assessments.
• Provides technical support for opinions, diligence projects and litigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills

Must have excellent communication and research skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail as well as excellent analytical skills. Must be able to understand and resolve complex issues and situations.

Minimum Education

• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree
• EE/CS/ME degree

Preferred Education

• Master's Degree or similar

Minimum Years of Experience

• Two years of patent prosecution experience as well as three years of engineering and/or research experience.
• Registration with the USPTO

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
• Foster positive work relationships;
• Comply with all firm policies and practices;
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Other Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

• Hybrid with some in-office expectations or remote (as appropriate).
• Some travel required.

Application Process

Please apply online if you are a direct applicant. Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Please submit the following writing samples: at least one application to the USPTO and at least one response to the USPTO. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or if you have any questions about the process, please contact legalrecruiting-bos@dlapiper.com. Please add dlapiper@myworkday.com to your list of safe senders.

Search Firms

Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal. If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to legalrecruiting-bos@dlapiper.com.

Pay Transparency

In accordance with California and Washington’s Pay Transparency Laws, the pay rate for this position, if hired to work in California or Washington State is $100,000 – $205,000 per year. The compensation offered to a candidate selected for employment will be dependent upon various factors, including the candidate’s geographic market, skills, educational and professional background, experience, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.