IP Paralegal, Patent Docketing - Military veterans preferred

IP Paralegal, Patent Docketing

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is seeking a qualified IP Paralegal, Patent Docketing. This position will work as part of the patent docketing team. The ability to work independently in accordance with processes and procedures is essential. Job duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Thoroughly reviews communications from outside patent counsel and US and foreign patent offices; verifies accuracy of patent prosecution correspondence.
• Enters patent prosecution details and deadlines into the patent docketing management database, including opening new patent records, entry of patent office actions and responses as filed, etc. Monitors patent prosecution deadlines.
• Creates complex reports reflecting inventor data and granted patent data, and other information as needed.
• Saves docketed patent prosecution correspondence to the appropriate records in the docketing management database.
• Provides granted patent data to third party service provider for monitoring and payment of patent annuities.
• Reviews, maintains, and monitors database for accuracy. Investigate when necessary and make corrections as needed.
• Works with outside patent counsel to track patent deadlines throughout prosecution until issuance, maintain patents, and obtain and relay inventor information required for new patent filings, including arranging for the updating of inventor data in the patent docketing management database.
• Must have and maintain strong knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent rules and is attentive to proposed rule changes.
• Provides administrative support to the Associate Director including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, template document typing, and correspondence drafting.

This docketing position requires knowledge of and familiarity with the documents routinely found in the file wrappers of USPTO, PCT, and foreign patent applications. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year prior US and foreign patent docketing experience, as well as experience using various patent docketing management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Excel and Word.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.

Job Summary

Manages primary communications with outside patent counsel and US and foreign patent offices. Enters, monitors, and maintains prosecution details and deadlines into databases and creates complex reports. Executes payments of patent annuities and corresponds with external stakeholders to track patent information. Coordinates document collection, processing, and execution.

Essential Functions

Heavy computer use. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to manage multiple complex projects at the same time.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort, mostly sedentary.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Paralegal - Patent Docketing

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Intellectual Properties

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: No

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI277348040