IP Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Associate

The role

This associate will prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications. Work involves drafting specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions for consumer electronics hardware and electromechanical systems.

What you will do

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
• Draft patent applications, including specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions
• Conduct prior art searches and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses
• Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy
• Conduct inventor interviews and distill complex technical subject matter
• Support due diligence efforts related to patent portfolios
• Assist with post-grant proceedings
• Manage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file records

Required qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Registration in good standing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Member of the bar in the state where the position is based, or eligibility for admission
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
• 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience
• Demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both mechanical and electrical engineering subject matter
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet competing deadlines
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work product

Nice to have

• Experience preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firm
• Substantive familiarity with wireless device hardware
• Experience with patent clearance and freedom-to-operate projects
• Experience managing patent portfolios
• Experience supporting patent opinion letter preparation
• Familiarity with non-infringement and invalidity analyses
• Experience assisting with patent due diligence for corporate transactions and M&A matters
• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field

Before you apply

• We will not consider resumes submitted by external agencies or recruiters

About the company

Barnes & Thornburg’s intellectual property practice is housed within a full-service AmLaw 100 firm. The team includes 125+ dedicated IP attorneys and agents.