Patent Agent (High Tech)

Overview As part of the firm’s Intellectual Property team, this position is responsible for performing highly complex and sensitive client work requiring a high level of professional capability and skill. The primary responsibilities of this position include preparing draft patent applications and draft responses to communications from the USPTO. This role assists attorneys in the delivery of quality legal services to clients in an efficient and cost‑effective manner. This is a full‑time, exempt position located in one of our offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C. For positions based in the California or New York offices of Baker Botts, the salary ranges from $120,000 to $200,000, depending on experience. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Prepare draft patent applications in particular incorporating scientific aspects of inventions. Prepare draft responses to communications from U.S. and foreign patent offices regarding factual and other scientific matters. Discuss the scientific aspects of inventions with clients and inventors and provide attorneys with a report on those discussions. Communicate with, and act as liaison between, inventors and the Patent & Trademark Office in connection with all aspects of the patent application process. Evaluate and report on the technological aspects of inventions and other scientific matters. Advise attorneys on general and specific technologies and investigate those technologies as needed. Draft, organize, analyze, review, and summarize documents. Review and analyze client and other files. Conduct regulatory and factual research. Communicate face‑to‑face, by e‑mail and by telephone with staff, clients, vendors, and PTO and agency personnel. Coordinate workflow with outside service providers. Organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints in an efficient and cost‑effective manner. Identify and analyze complex patent issues and problems and implement solutions. Interact professionally with clients, lawyers, and employees at all levels and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidentiality. Provide direction and guidance to legal support staff on specific issues, as appropriate. Stay abreast of technology trends and make recommendations regarding technology needs. Undertake continuing education, and remain abreast of current patent prosecution issues and trends, as required to maintain appropriate accreditation in the field. Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering preferred. Licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office preferred. Ability to analyze, interpret, and draw inferences from research findings, and prepare reports. Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty. Strong investigative and problem resolution skills. Knowledge of principles, procedures, and standards for drafting a range of complex patent documentation in area of expertise. Ability to effectively communicate complex factual, technical information. Ability to develop and maintain record‑keeping systems and procedures. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals. Advanced oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of current and emerging developments and trends within area of expertise. Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints. Ability to learn and capably use various software packages. Ability to operate standard office equipment. Knowledge of and use of time management and project management strategies. Ability to facilitate individual and group meetings. Ability to understand and comply with confidentiality issues and ethical responsibilities. Ability to travel to private and public buildings via private or public conveyance to assist in attending to client needs on legal matters. Additional Information Within the resident office, there is daily contact with partners, associates, paralegals, and office personnel at all levels. There is a moderate amount of contact with these same groups in other offices. Outside the firm, there is a moderate amount of contact with clients, vendor representatives, and agency personnel. Additional hours will be required when necessary to meet established deadlines or stay current with occasional peaks in workload. Flexibility in working overtime, evenings, and weekends as required by assigned or overflow work is required. May require local and out‑of‑town travel. This role may be hybrid and will require a minimum of three days per week (or at least 60%) present in the office, and up to two days per week (40%) may be performed remotely. #J-18808-Ljbffr