Careers

Patent Paralegal
We are seeking a highly organized, technologically savvy, and detail-oriented full-time Patent Paralegal to join our boutique intellectual property law firm! You ideally have:

• At least 7 years of experience as a patent paralegal in domestic and foreign patent prosecution, including at least 2 years of managing patent portfolios and client dockets;
• Thorough knowledge of both USPTO and international patent procedures, filing requirements, terminology, and deadlines;
• Familiarity with the USPTO website (including Patent Center), the WIPO website (including ePCT), and foreign patent office databases (e.g., EPO, CIPO, etc.);
• Strong proficiency in standard software applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom) as well as patent practice-related software (including docketing, filing and time entry software);
• A willingness to learn new software applications and technological tools to improve efficiency and workflows;
• Exceptional organizational skills and supreme attention to detail;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Capacity to work independently and maintain productivity in a remote environment;
• A track record of increasing responsibility and promotion in a patent prosecution practice;
• A client service-minded attitude and an eagerness to support both internal and external clients; and
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional experience.

The role includes:

• Wearing multiple hats in a patent prosecution practice, including handling domestic and foreign patent prosecution, and serving a backup docketing role when needed;
• Proactively managing and maintaining dockets and patent portfolios, including accurate entry of deadlines and ongoing updates related to prosecution, annuities and formalities, in collaboration with patent attorneys, agents and paralegals;
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patent dockets, including tracking patent application status and deadlines;
• Handling client patent portfolios, including:
  • Preparing patent prosecution documents for e-filing with the USPTO and ePCT;
  • Assisting in the preparation of patent applications, including formatting, organizing, and compiling necessary documentation;
  • Coordinating with foreign associates on ex-US matters;
  • Drafting and managing correspondence with clients, inventors and foreign associates:
  • Coordinating with external vendors to timely obtain sequence listings, formal drawings and translations;
  • Coordinating with clients to obtain necessary documentation and signatures;
  • Maintaining accurate and organized electronic client files;
• Contributing to ongoing firm process / systems improvement initiatives; and
• Performing administrative duties as needed, such as timekeeping, participating in team meetings, and expense reporting.

Patent Assistant
We are seeking a highly organized, technologically savvy, and detail-oriented full-time Patent Assistant to join our boutique intellectual property law firm! You ideally have:

• At least two years of prior experience in a patent practice in a patent assistant, patent paralegal, or patent secretary role;
• Exceptional organizational abilities and supreme attention to detail;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong proficiency in standard software applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom);
• Capacity to work independently and maintain productivity in a remote environment;
• A willingness to learn new software applications and technological tools to improve efficiency and workflows; and
• An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent professional experience.

You will be responsible for:

• Providing general support for patent prosecution and legal administrative procedures;
• Supporting firm initiatives, including implementing and maintaining an internal information management system;
• Preparing patent prosecution documents, including Information Disclosure Statements, Declarations, and Assignments;
• Drafting and managing correspondence with clients, inventors, and foreign associates;
• Retrieving, organizing, and maintaining patent documents and related client records;
• Contributing to ongoing firm process / systems improvement initiatives; and
• Performing administrative duties as needed, such as timekeeping, participating in team meetings, and expense reporting.

It is a bonus if you have:

• Familiarity with U.S. and international patent prosecution processes and timelines; and
• Experience with patent docketing and electronic filing systems.

A Role of Your Own Making

Biospark is always looking for talented and skilled individuals who have law firm experience and want to take control of their own careers in any area of law firm practice and operation! Whether your skillset is in providing legal services, patent practice management, accounting, finance, or operations, we welcome the driven, dedicated, personable, and professional individual to Biospark, while offering true work-life balance. Help us create a team culture where everyone can thrive and you can have a hand in building not only the firm, but also your own career.

Curious? Please submit resume, cover letter (including a vision of your role and where you would like to see yourself career-wise in the next 3-5 years), salary preferences, and, for patent practitioners, desired billable hour targets and writing samples to sjm@biospark-ip.com.