The Trademark Docket Manager is responsible for managing the firm's trademark and copyright docketing operations and supporting the Intellectual Property Department with administrative, procedural, and management responsibilities to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of services to the firm's domestic and international trademark and copyright clients.
Essential Duties- Manage the firm's trademark and copyright docket to ensure prompt and correct docketing of deadlines for domestic and international trademark and copyright matters; supervise docketing team in their work to achieve that goal.
- Update and maintain an operating and user manual and guides for the firm's trademark and copyright docketing activities.
- Interface with Department Chair, Practice Group Leader, paralegals, and attorneys in the group to respond to requests for information and to deliver top-notch client service.
- Coordinate with Practice Management to ensure that Firm's trademark and copyright docketing database is maintained, checked for data quality, and upgraded as necessary.
- Create docket reports upon request by attorneys and other firm personnel.
- Ensure that all docketing guidelines and requirements are following Firm's standards and best practices.
- Monitor and maintain reports for statistical analysis.
- Manage intake of transferred files and entry into docket.
- Establish standards for processing and forwarding of docketed items to ensure docketing policies and procedures are implemented by department personnel.
- Train, mentor, develop, and evaluate trademark and copyright docketing staff.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations; provide performance management counseling for IP Docket Staff.
Reporting RelationshipThe Trademark Docket Manager reports to the Director of Administration.
Subordinate staff: Trademark and Copyright docketing clerks
QualificationsKnowledge/Experience
Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and international trademark and copyright docketing rules, procedures, and deadlines is required. Advanced experience with intellectual property docketing systems, including ANAQUA, TESS, and other international IP databases, is required; experience with docketing conversions is strongly preferred. Law firm or legal environment experience, demonstrated supervisory experience, and a proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, implement projects, and develop training programs. Strong quality control skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy are essential.
Skills
The Trademark Docket Manager must possess exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational and project management skills, and excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Proficiency with technology and software applications is required, along with the ability to train, mentor, and develop staff while fostering collaboration and delivering exceptional client service. Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours as needed and regular, dependable attendance are required.
Education
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Legal Studies, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and directly related trademark docketing experience may be considered.
Physical DemandsMust be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc.; Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.