Paralegal - Intellectual Property

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Intellectual Property Paralegal position. This position may be filled remotely or in any of our locations.

The Paralegal is responsible for assisting with a full range of Patent and Trademark matters for a busy IP practice. This includes assisting with preparation, docketing, electronic filing, portfolio management and registration and maintenance of Patent and Trademark applications. Essential functions include:

• Research and compile information pertaining to national and international intellectual property rights.
• Prepare status summary reports for attorneys and clients.
• Coordinate international filings with foreign law offices and/or other foreign entities.
• Collaborate with Docketing Team to ensure due dates for actions, including responses, renewals, oppositions, Section 8 and 15 affidavits, use affidavits, Patent Cooperation Treaty requirements, and payments of patent annuities in foreign countries are properly docketed and tracked.
• Assist in intellectual property-related litigation.
• Assist in oppositions, interferences and cancellations; draft necessary pleadings for use in these inter partes.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Trademarks & Patents

• Perform on-line searches of Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) records, industry databases and general legal research.
• Conduct searches for information regarding trademarks.
• File applications, statements of use, renewal applications, affidavits of use, and assignments.
• Draft responses to PTO actions and oppositions.
• Police client's trademarks to guard against potential infringements.
• Maintain foreign trademarks, which include corresponding directly with foreign associates and instructing them to search trademarks and to file applications, renewals, affidavits of use and oppositions.
• Obtain legalizations and certifications for filing foreign trademarks

Copyright

• Draft and file renewal applications and infringement letters.
• Research and compile information about notice requirements, longevity of enforcement, and renewal options

Other

• Learn/develop technical proficiency in database use and management, internet/electronic research, and project folder/electronic file maintenance.
• Independently organize and manage files.
• Attend and participate in internal CLEs.
• Anticipate attorney needs.
• Engage in occasional interaction with clients.
• Stay informed of developments in Paralegal industry.
• Meet annual billable hour requirement of 1500 hours.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 3 years intellectual practice paralegal experience, patent experience required.
• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate from ABA approved program preferred.
• Significant, substantive legal related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education

OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multi-task efficiently and be an independent thinker.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally and provide exceptional service, internally and externally, at all times.
• Highly organized, able to prioritize workflow and manage projects.
• Ability to perform effectively with little or no supervision and within established time limits and on-going deadlines.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $75,000 - $102,000
• State of Colorado: $66,000 - $89,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $63,000 - $86,000
• State of Massachusetts: $65,000 - $89,000
• State of New York: $67,000 - $93,000
• State of Washington: $63,000 - $87,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus, however bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.