IP Assistant

IP Assistant – Design Department Banner Witcoff is a leader in intellectual property law for 100 years. We are the trusted IP partner of choice for organizations around the world. We provide sound legal guidance and inventive IP solutions to power business for start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and everything in between. Banner Witcoff’s Design Patent Prosecution Department assists in the procurement of design patents for our clients. The Design Team has helped to make Banner Witcoff the number one firm in the country for Design Patent Prosecution. As a member of our Design Team, you’ll have a big impact on the firm and our clients by helping to manage and build design patent portfolios. Our Design Team is made up of Assistants, Paralegals, and Team Leads who are resourceful, positive, collaborative, and supportive. We work as individuals, as team members, and as part of a growing and innovative law firm. We pride ourselves on our relentless attention to detail and place an immense value on providing exceptional client service, both internally and externally. Our team is diverse, high energy, and dedicated to maintaining high standards. This is an environment of learning, education, job advancement, and showcasing your skills. Requirements Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. A strong work ethic and sense of responsibility, reliability, and responsiveness. The ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with multiple tasks and projects at hand. Self‑direction and ability to work independently. Energy and a desire to troubleshoot problems and find solutions. The ability to effectively manage workloads to meet deadlines, while delivering high‑quality work. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, and Excel); data manipulation and formatting are a must. Strong organizational skills. Strong attention to detail. Duties and Responsibilities Correspond and communicate with our clients, attorneys, and foreign agents. Communicate with USPTO (U.S. Patent & Trademark Office). Conduct clearance and patentability searches. Manage the intake of new applications and new clients. Gather information in preparation of design application materials. Work with attorneys and draftsmen to perfect formal patent drawings. File U.S. design patent applications with the USPTO. Work with attorneys in drafting responses to various Office Actions. Assist attorneys in post‑allowance review of design patent applications. Work with attorneys and foreign agents in the preparation of filing and prosecution of foreign design patent applications. Address docket actions daily. Account for billable work completed. Manage and update tracking documents or software. Prepare various reports for internal and external use, which typically requires assembling information from multiple sources and presenting data in a usable format. Other administrative duties and special projects as assigned. This position is a hybrid role, with a blend of remote and in‑office work. The employee will be required to work in the office at least two days per week, or more, depending on business needs and/or work assignments. In‑office specific duties include managing mail, copying, face‑to‑face meetings, greeting clients and visitors, team collaborative projects, as well as company events. Banner Witcoff offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), a 35‑hour workweek, business‑casual attire, and a friendly office environment. Interested candidates should apply online by sending a resume and cover letter with salary requirements. The salary range for this role is $50,000 to $65,000 annually. This is a non‑exempt position. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Chicago, IL. This range is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographical location, and business or organizational needs. This job is also eligible for an annual merit increase and bonus pay. Banner Witcoff is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. The Firm will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, pregnancy, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, legal citizenship or any other status protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr