Patent Agent

This is not an active job posting. For internal purposes only.

Summary: Staff designated at Dickinson Wright PLLC (“the Firm”) as a Patent Agent are responsible for providing professional support services to Attorneys and Clients of the Firm, specifically inventors, throughout the patent application process acting as a liaison between the inventor and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities of staff designated as a Patent Agent at the Firm include but are not limited to:

1. Identify inventions that require to be patented;
2. Conduct and participate in invention related research meetings;
3. Develop patent procedures for inventions, products or unique projects;
4. Coordinate and collaborate with inventors and clients to generate patent applications;
5. Coordinate and manage client management and outside counsel with regards to patent applications and issues;
6. Educate client management and inventors on patent systems and procedures;
7. Review, assess and evaluate purchase of patents or patent licensing from third party offers;
8. Review patent issues in mergers and acquisitions;
9. Maintain and manage database relating to all patent procedures and processes;
10. Ensure compliance of local, state and federal laws relating to patent issues;
11. Effectively work in collaboration with Attorneys of the Firm.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Required:

A Patent Agent must:

1. Possess a bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences or engineering;
2. Pass an examination to be registered with the USPTO;
3. Be willing and able to work full-time consistent with the needs of clients and the Firm, unless a specific alternative hour agreement has been made with the Firm;
4. Be willing and able to maintain client confidentiality and exercise good judgement when making decisions and handling certain situations;
5. Be willing and able to sit at a desk/computer for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

Normal law office environment with little exposure to noise, dust, temperature.


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. Please note that a variety of factors determine compensation, including geographic location, experience, relevant degrees and certifications, and other applicable factors authorized by law.

Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our U.S. offices, including health, dental, and vision; 401(k) and profit sharing plans; paid vacation; and parental leave. Additional elective programs include: a health flexible spending account, a health savings account, identity theft protection, a dependent day care reimbursement account, commuter benefits, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, an employee assistance program, and emergency travel assistance.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.