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Contract IP Specialist (Intellectual Property)
The Opportunity
Step into a critical, fast-paced role where your expertise in patent prosecution will make an immediate impact on a globally recognized legal team. We are seeking a highly skilled IP Specialist to manage crucial US provisional and non-provisional applications, keeping vital intellectual property moving flawlessly through the pipeline. This is a specialized, three-month contract position designed to provide essential coverage during a medical leave, requiring a professional who can hit the ground running immediately and keep our high-performing attorneys on track.
Step into a critical, fast-paced role where your expertise in patent prosecution will make an immediate impact on a globally recognized legal team. We are seeking a highly skilled IP Specialist to manage crucial US provisional and non-provisional applications, keeping vital intellectual property moving flawlessly through the pipeline. This is a specialized, three-month contract position designed to provide essential coverage during a medical leave, requiring a professional who can hit the ground running immediately and keep our high-performing attorneys on track.
About the Company
You will be joining one of the world's most prestigious and forward-thinking global law firms, renowned for representing top-tier innovators and industry leaders. Our intellectual property practice is dedicated to protecting the ideas that shape the future, operating within a culture that values excellence, precision, and deep collaboration. By stepping into this team, you become part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to delivering unmatched service and strategic counsel to cutting-edge clients.The Location
This role is based in the heart of innovation in Palo Alto, California, operating on a structured hybrid schedule. You will enjoy the collaborative energy of a sophisticated, modern law office environment while also having the designated flexibility to work remotely for a portion of the week. Commutability to the Palo Alto office is strictly required to ensure seamless integration with the local prosecution practice group.What You Will Do
- Prepare and finalize all necessary documents to complete the filing of US provisional and non-provisional applications.
- Draft and process formal documents including assignments, declarations, and powers of attorney, ensuring all appropriate signatures are obtained and recorded with the US Patent Office.
- Communicate directly with clients regarding the status of applications and patents, providing prompt updates on filing receipts, publication notices, and forwarding patent certificates.
- Manage and file critical responses, including corrected application papers, restriction requirements, and office actions, complete with necessary extensions, terminal disclaimers, and exhibits.
- Review and oversee the docket for U.S. deadlines, understanding the specific actions required for each file and proactively keeping attorneys and patent agents on schedule.
- Conduct complex research utilizing the USPTO website and other databases to retrieve vital information and support overall portfolio management.
Who You Are
- You bring a minimum of three years of administrative or office experience within a professional services or legal environment, with a strong preference for direct patent prosecution experience.
- You possess comprehensive knowledge of USPTO rules and practices, including docketing, public/private PAIR, US prosecution, and formality requirements.
- You have a proven ability to independently file documents with the USPTO and confidently navigate complex patent processes.
- You are highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ideally bring familiarity with patent docketing software such as OP Solutions Patsy.
- You hold a High School diploma or GED and possess the physical capability to handle primarily sedentary work with occasional light lifting up to 10 pounds.
Ideal Candidate
The perfect fit for this role is a proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven legal environment. You are highly organized and possess the sharp judgment needed to prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks without losing attention to detail. Your communication and writing skills are exceptional, allowing you to easily collaborate with high-level attorneys, clients, and internal teams. Above all, you are reliable, aggressively punctual, and take pride in acting as the organizational anchor for your team, seamlessly balancing independent focus with a deeply collaborative spirit.Flexibility & Work-Life Integration
- Work Structure: This is a hybrid position that thoughtfully balances remote, work-from-home focus time with highly collaborative in-office days.
- Schedule: The standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, ensuring a predictable routine.
- Environment: You will work in a professional, dynamic legal office setting that demands high performance but supports its staff with clear expectations, structured timelines, and an inclusive team culture.