Patent associates help clients protect and enforce innovations through intellectual property law. Their work may include drafting and prosecuting patent applications, advising on patent strategy, conducting prior-art analysis, and supporting patent litigation. On Ladders, explore vetted Patent Associate opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by firm, company, technical specialty, and experience level. Patent associates may work with inventors and research teams to understand new technologies, prepare patent applications, respond to office actions, and develop portfolios that support business goals. Some roles focus on prosecution, while others emphasize licensing, transactions, due diligence, or litigation.
Employers commonly seek a law degree, admission to a state bar, and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patent prosecution roles. A technical degree or substantial experience in fields such as software, electrical engineering, biotechnology, chemistry, or mechanical engineering may also be important. Strong legal writing, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication with technical and business audiences are valuable across the field.
Patent associates work at law firms, in-house legal departments, technology companies, life sciences organizations, and other businesses with valuable intellectual property. With experience, they may advance to senior associate, counsel, partner, or intellectual property leadership roles. Some professionals build a practice around a specific technical area or transition between law firm and in-house work.
Use Ladders to discover vetted Patent Associate openings with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare opportunities by employer, location, specialization, and seniority, then focus your search on positions that match your legal experience and technical background.
$90K - $110K *
Contribute to the adoption of innovative lung biopsy technology by providing essential support and training to users, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and ensuring effective integration of...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Elevate patient care by supporting the adoption of innovative lung biopsy technology. Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure effective integration and training, while driving clinical and...
3 weeks ago
$105K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving successful ERP and CRM software implementations. Lead projects, coordinate teams, and ensure timely delivery while achieving sales and profit targets. Collaborate with stake...
2 weeks ago
Assistant Project Civil Engineer
$76K - $98K *
Contribute to innovative civil engineering projects by designing stormwater management systems and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions while ensuring compliance...
1 week ago
Lead Archaeologist - Principal Investigator in Pacific NW U.S.
$81K - $106K *
Transform cultural resources management by leading projects, enhancing team efficiency, and ensuring compliance standards are met while fostering relationships with clients and agencies in the Pacific...
4 weeks ago
Document Review Project Manager (JD Required)
$100K - $120K *
Drive efficiency and accuracy in document review processes by managing teams, optimizing workflows, and leveraging technology to enhance client satisfaction and reduce costs. Collaborate with stakehol...
3 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager- Risk and Compliance
$106K - $181K *
Join our team to lead risk and compliance strategies across payment products. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage product lifecycles, and ensure compliance while leveraging AI tools to enhanc...
3 days ago
Trial Representative, Workers' Compensation (CA Bay Area)
$85K - $130K *
Drive case strategy and representation in Workers' Compensation trials across the CA Bay Area. Collaborate with legal teams to prepare for trials, negotiate settlements, and ensure compliance with reg...
3 days ago
Senior Project Manager, PDS Projects
$120K - $132K *
Take ownership of multiple projects across various phases in financial services, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction while leading cross-functional teams and drivi...
2 weeks ago
$118K - $177K *
Drive the development and optimization of refined product blending programs across terminals, ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance blending...
Yesterday
$110K - $125K *
Engage with a dynamic team to oversee copy responsibilities, crafting compelling content across various mediums. Collaborate creatively to drive engagement for diverse audiences, including healthcare...
2 days ago
$70K - $116K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing Long-Term Disability claims management. Leverage your expertise to guide professionals, analyze trends, and ensure high-quality outcomes while supporting a co...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Trial Attorney - Fully Remote (Upstate New York)
$138K - $206K *
Lead the charge in sophisticated insurance defense litigation, managing a diverse caseload as a Senior Trial Attorney. Enjoy the flexibility of a fully remote role while delivering exceptional legal s...
2 weeks ago
Sales Specialist, Building & Construction Products
$113K - $139K *
Join a team that's driving growth in the commercial construction sector by leveraging your sales expertise and collaborating with innovative professionals to exceed sales quotas and enhance customer r...
1 week ago
Immigration Case Manager, Canada
$110K - $120K *
Manage a diverse portfolio of Canadian corporate immigration cases. Engage with clients on complex applications, ensuring compliance and strategic advice while fostering strong relationships across st...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$174K - $262K *
Join a dynamic team driving reliability and automation for cloud platforms, setting standards and mentoring cross-functional teams, while influencing operations and enhancing service delivery through...
Reposted today
Portfolio Manager - Pittsburgh PA Area
$104K - $125K *
Lead strategic initiatives for Chronic PD portfolio, driving growth through physician engagement and contract management. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance market share and ensure effective re...
1 week ago
Project Administration and Correspondence Lead
$74K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee project administration and correspondence management, ensuring effective communication and compliance. Support project policies and enhance documentation workflows to dr...
3 weeks ago
Associate General Counsel - U.S. Based Remote Opportunity
$160K - $181K *
Join a dynamic Legal team to provide strategic legal support, manage risks, and ensure compliance across various operational areas. Drive organizational objectives through independent legal advice and...
1 week ago
Executive Director Business Development, Biotech (North East, US)
$215K - $240K *
Lead the charge in territory sales strategy, driving revenue growth while coaching Business Development Directors and fostering client relationships. Collaborate with senior leadership to optimize per...
Reposted yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Drive the successful execution of multiple e-discovery projects, collaborating with legal teams and mentoring junior staff. Ensure quality standards, manage budgets, and maintain client relationships...
1 week ago
Bioprocessing Sales Specialist
$137K - $195K *
Unlock potential by driving sales and business development for innovative bioprocessing solutions. Collaborate with key accounts and internal teams to enhance customer satisfaction and market presence...
2 weeks ago
Privacy Counsel, Law & Regulation (IL, NC, TX, AZ, NY, CA)
$120K - $193K *
Drive innovation as a trusted legal advisor, guiding privacy strategies in a tech-focused environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage legal risks, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge dat...
4 weeks ago
Director, Product & Regulatory Compliance Counsel
$144K - $176K *
Champion compliance excellence by leading regulatory programs and translating complex mortgage regulations into actionable product requirements. Collaborate across teams to ensure adherence to evolvin...
3 weeks ago
Business Development Executive - Outside Sales
$80K - $95K *
Help us drive growth by building relationships, prospecting new clients, and increasing sales within the healthcare sector. Your expertise will enhance our brand presence and ensure exceptional servic...
1 week ago
What does a Patent Associate do?
A Patent Associate helps clients protect inventions and manage intellectual property. Work can include preparing and prosecuting patent applications, advising on patent strategy, analyzing prior art, supporting transactions, or assisting with patent disputes.
What qualifications are commonly required for Patent Associate jobs?
Many roles require a law degree and admission to a state bar. Patent prosecution positions often require USPTO registration, and employers may seek a technical degree or experience in a relevant field such as engineering, computer science, chemistry, or biotechnology.
Do all Patent Associate jobs focus on patent prosecution?
No. Some positions focus on patent prosecution, while others center on litigation, licensing, transactions, portfolio management, or intellectual property counseling. Responsibilities depend on the employer and practice area.
Where do Patent Associates work?
Patent Associates may work at law firms, corporations, technology companies, life sciences organizations, and other businesses that develop or manage intellectual property.
How can I find Patent Associate jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Patent Associate listings on Ladders, where job opportunities are vetted and pay at least $100,000. Review each listing for its compensation details, location, specialization, and experience requirements.