Job Description

The Patent Agent I helps support, manage, educate, and provide counsel regarding the company's IP strategy, protection, risks, and opportunities. The Patent Agent will collaborate with cross-functional teams of engineers, sourcing and product managers, and executives as partners to support and drive the company's product development initiatives. This role requires demonstrated skills in effective day-to-day counseling and support, as well as the ability and willingness to take a business-oriented and practical approach to assessing risks and devising solutions to complex problems. Although the primary focus of the role will be on patents, familiarity and experience with trademarks is helpful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the product development team to review existing and new products and to counsel on strategy, risks, opportunities, and options to protect the company's intellectual property and avoid infringement of third-party intellectual property
• Assist with preparing, obtaining, and analyzing patent searches and provide assessments on patentability, prior art, non-infringement, and validity
• Assist with the IP clearance process for products and report on and keep management informed of relevant intellectual property rights owned by third parties
• Assist with educating and training company employees on IP issues and basic knowledge, as required
• Support the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures, and assist with the ongoing compliance with such policies and procedures
• Able to understand business decisions and motivations of internal clients and thus effectively communicate and resolve issues with business partners and executives
• Must be a team player able to work both independently and collaboratively to resolve time sensitive issues and respond to requests
• Additional duties as assigned by management

Scope (Required):

• Supervises staff - No
• Organizational Scope - All company divisions, with focus on products
• Decision Making - Significant decision making on matters of importance to the organization
• Travel - less than 5%
• Job Location - Remote

The anticipated salary range for this position is $117,300 - $176,000 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Education (Required):

• BS or MS in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or similar field

Skills (Required):

• Must be able to develop innovative solutions for difficult and complex problems
• Robust project management skills with rigorous devotion to detail and organization
• Knowledge and understanding of sophisticated transactions and associated risks
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and internal clients under tight deadlines
• Excellent legal, analytical, communication (written and oral), and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with partners at all levels within the organization
• High level of computer skills

Skills (Preferred/Desired):

• Experience with tools (power, hand, machine, etc.) and related industries

Experience (Required):

• 3-5 years of direct experience in intellectual property, with a focus on product clearance, with top law firm or similar role in-house with established company

Additional Qualifications:

• USPTO registration