Intellectual Property Paralegal

Job Title: Intellectual Property Paralegal

Industry: Legal Services

Location: Chicago, IL

Assignment Type: Direct Hire

Pay: $100,000–$120,000 annually

Work Schedule: Hybrid | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 35-hour work week | Hybrid schedule

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Our client is an established law firm seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Paralegal to join its legal team. The firm offers a collaborative environment, a flexible hybrid schedule, opportunities for professional development, and a strong emphasis on employee growth and work-life balance.

Job Description:

The Intellectual Property Paralegal will provide comprehensive support across trademark and patent prosecution, portfolio management, docketing, and other intellectual property matters. This position will work closely with attorneys, clients, foreign associates, and outside vendors to ensure filings, deadlines, and portfolio requirements are handled accurately and efficiently.

The ideal candidate will bring significant intellectual property experience from a law firm environment and be comfortable independently managing competing deadlines and complex IP portfolios.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit U.S. trademark applications, renewals, declarations of use, and other required filings with the USPTO.
• Track trademark prosecution activity, renewals, and critical portfolio deadlines.
• Assist with preliminary trademark research and preparation of search-related materials.
• Develop portfolio summaries, status reports, and other client-facing IP documentation.
• Coordinate international trademark filings and correspondence with foreign counsel.
• Support attorneys throughout U.S. and international patent prosecution matters.
• Prepare patent filing materials, correspondence, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate patent records and monitor upcoming prosecution deadlines.
• Manage relationships and workflows with an outsourced IP docketing provider, including providing instructions, resolving discrepancies, and participating in status meetings.
• Maintain and audit information within IP docketing and portfolio management systems.
• Review upcoming deadlines and communicate action items to attorneys and clients.
• Coordinate trademark renewals, patent annuities, maintenance fees, and related requirements with attorneys, clients, and outside vendors.
• Communicate with clients regarding filing requirements, deadlines, and portfolio updates.
• Assist with billing coordination, filing fees, foreign associate invoices, and other administrative needs.
• Provide support on special projects, portfolio reviews, and additional intellectual property matters as needed.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of intellectual property paralegal experience, preferably within a law firm.
• Strong background in trademark prosecution and IP portfolio management.
• Hands-on experience preparing and filing trademark applications and related documents with the USPTO.
• Experience supporting patent prosecution and preparing patent filing documentation.
• Familiarity with U.S. and international trademark and patent filing processes strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of USPTO procedures, requirements, and electronic filing platforms.
• Experience working with IP docketing or portfolio management systems.
• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Adobe and document management platforms is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Details:

• Position is eligible for overtime and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Profit-sharing eligibility is available.
• Approximately 1,400 annual billable hours.
• Candidates with experience supporting both trademark and patent prosecution are highly desirable.
• Experience with IP due diligence related to corporate transactions is a plus.

Perks:

• Highly flexible hybrid work environment.
• 35-hour standard work week.
• Competitive base salary with potential flexibility for highly experienced candidates.
• Bonus and overtime eligibility.
• Profit-sharing opportunities.
• Paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.