Cisco

Patent Agent

Cisco$179K — $254K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active USPTO registration as a patent agent or ability to obtain one
  • Experienced with enterprise IP Management Systems (IPMS) and advanced patent analytics
  • In-house patent preparation and prosecution experience preferred
  • Ability to contextualize data into actionable insights
  • Proven track record in clear, executive-level communication

Responsibilities

  • Strengthen Cisco's patent portfolio by identifying and evaluating inventions
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate IP into their processes
  • Translate technical content for non-technical stakeholders
  • Contribute to program optimization through insights and ideas on workflows
  • Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications in coordination with external counsel

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with two days in-office attendance
  • Opportunity for direct impact on patent program development
  • Collaborative environment working alongside technologists and engineers
  • Continuous improvement culture promoting workflow refinement
  • Engagement with senior leadership and business strategy
Full Job Description
The application window is expected to close on: 08/21/2026
Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Members of the Legal organization at select locations will generally be expected to follow a hybrid work model, which includes two days of in-office attendance each week, with limited exceptions.

Your Impact
  • We're looking for a technical specialist and/or patent agent or engineer to partner with our team in strengthening our patent portfolio and advancing our IP management processes and infrastructure. Someone who likes digging into technology and business strategy in equal measure; who can talk to engineers in their language and to the business in theirs and is at home in both rooms.
  • You'll work alongside technologists and distinguished engineers across our business, learn what they're building, and turn it into protection that holds up; then explain it to attorneys, business partners, and leadership in language anyone can follow.
  • You'll help us enhance the patent program; we want the person doing the work to help shape how the work runs. We value continuous improvement, meaning you can help us refine our workflows and define how we operate from day one.
  • In practice you will:
  • Work with our inventors to strengthen Cisco's patent portfolio, purposefully harvesting and evaluating our inventions to file and develop our patent assets. This includes identifying patentable inventions; providing high quality technical and patent practitioner analysis; and working with outside counsel to draft, file, and prosecute strategic and deployable assets.
  • Partner across the business by building relationships with engineering teams, product groups, and various business units to deeply understand their business and ensure that IP is part of how they think rather than a step at the end of the process.
  • Translate technical subject matter clearly to non-technical audiences and patent practitioner subject matter clearly to technical ones. Write the summaries that let a business leader make decisions without needing a patent background.
  • Help us optimize our program by contributing ideas to, and helping execute on, invention intake, prosecution standards, and analytics we're - advised by what you're learning in the actual work. The person doing the work should have a say in how the work runs and be able to pass along what you figure out to uplevel the team.


Minimum Qualifications
  • USPTO Registration: Active USPTO registration as a patent agent or ability to obtain one.
  • Demonstrated experience using enterprise IP Management Systems (IPMS) and advanced patent analytics platforms to drive portfolio strategy, assess competitive landscapes, and manage sophisticated patent lifecycles.


Preferred Qualifications
  • In-house patent preparation and prosecution experience, or firm experience working closely with an in-house client.
  • Ability to make data say something. You've pulled numbers into an argument that showed a client, a business partner, or a leadership audience what the work was actually worth.
  • Track record of credible, concise executive communication on patent risk; ability to translate genuinely unsettled patent issues into business-relevant guidance for executives and engineers without over-hedging or misrepresenting the state of the law, and with demonstrated ability to defend a position under skeptical questioning.
  • Technical experience with at least one of the following technical areas: silicon and optics, AI infrastructure and networking, security, collaboration, observability and cloud management, compute, or wireless communications.
  • You're someone who is: comfortable navigating ambiguity to generate strategies that deliver impact; comfortable learning unfamiliar technology and holding a real conversation with senior engineers; curious about the business, not just the technology to understand how we compete in the marketplace and what that means for what we protect; and collaborative by default: you share credit, ask for help, and work well across functions. A sense of humor is a plus!

About Cisco

Cisco Careers

Join the vibrant team at Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, where innovation and leadership thrive. Cisco offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and experiences, making it an ideal place for both seasoned professionals and those seeking an internship to jumpstart their career. Work You’ll Do At Cisco, you’ll be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that matters with a team that combines technology, creativity, and the power of human connection to redefine networking. Cisco’s commitment to innovation isn’t just about technology, but also about transforming the way we work and collaborate. Cisco’s employment philosophy supports career advancement and nurtures a leadership pipeline that is equipped with diversity training and opportunities for growth. Whether you’re applying your skills to drive our latest innovations or using our vast networking capabilities to solve complex problems, at Cisco, every role is impactful. Join Our Dynamic Team Explore job opportunities in areas ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to cybersecurity. Cisco is hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Positions at Cisco offer competitive benefits, a supportive culture, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Cisco internship. Gain invaluable industry experience, enhance your resume, and build professional networks that last a lifetime. Our internships provide hands-on experience and the chance to work on projects that matter. Leadership and Development Cisco is committed to fostering leadership skills and providing employees with the training needed to succeed. Our leadership programs help you develop new skills, manage teams effectively, and lead with confidence. Cisco’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career path is as dynamic as our technologies. Benefits and Culture Cisco understands the importance of a balanced life. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are healthy, happy, and secure. At Cisco, you’ll find a supportive culture that encourages open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. Stay Connected Join Cisco’s Talent Network Stay informed about new positions that match your skills and interests. At Cisco, we value the curiosity and unique perspectives of our team members. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and insider tips directly from our hiring managers. Explore Cisco Jobs Ready to advance your career at Cisco? Search open positions, prepare your resume, and get ready for an interview that could lead to your next big opportunity. At Cisco, we’re not just filling positions—we’re investing in leaders. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at Cisco.
Learn more about Cisco
Size
79,500 employees
Market Cap
$194.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$10.1 billion
Founded
2014
5 Year Trend
+1.4%
Revenue
$48 billion
NASDAQ

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