Intellectual Property Specialist

Intellectual Property Specialist

This position is responsible for providing comprehensive patent support services, assisting in the preparation, prosecution, and maintenance of patent portfolios for a diverse range of domestic and international clients. Working closely with attorneys and support staff, this role manages critical patent-related processes from initial application filing through patent issuance and maintenance. The Intellectual Property Specialist ensures seamless coordination between attorneys, foreign counsel, and clients while maintaining compliance with USPTO, PCT, and international filing requirements. Under the guidance of attorneys and paralegals, this individual will be responsible for managing the entire patent lifecycle support process, including docket management, electronic filing systems, deadline monitoring, and client relations. The role involves creating and maintaining templates for various patent documents, performing electronic filings with the USPTO, and ensuring all patent formalities meet proper standards. The Intellectual Property Specialist will contribute to a collaborative environment focused on excellence and work-life balance, while staying current with evolving patent rules and procedures to deliver exceptional service that aligns with the firm's commitment to client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Supports patent attorneys in docket and practice management.
• Creates spreadsheets and portfolio charts, and/or graphics.
• Performs tasks associated with the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.
• Manages and performs range of duties related to an internal electronic file system.
• Generates templates for patent applications and responses to various Office Actions (including but not limited to a Filing Receipt, Notice to File Missing Parts, Response to Office Action, Notice of Publication, Notice of Allowance, Issue Notification; and Letters Patent) as they relate to correspondence/filing with USPTO, PCT, and foreign associates.
• Prepares additional templates for various legal documents (Declaration, Powers of Attorney, Assignments).
• Reviews formalities of filed patent documents to ensure proper form, including Filing Receipts, Declarations, Recordings, Information Disclosure Statements, allowed patents ready to issue, etc.).
• Performs electronic filings at the USPTO.
• Manages new client intake and opening of matters.
• Monitors deadlines for various domestic and foreign patent activities, handling routine activities in connection with the maintenance/renewal and protection of domestic and foreign patents.
• Assists in developing and maintaining client relations, including development activities, marketing, presentations and meetings.
• Acts as liaison between attorneys, foreign counsel, and clients.
• Keeps abreast of current rules and procedures.
• Maintains proficiency in required technologies such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, iManage, USPTO products, Intapp, etc.
• Prepares reports and summaries for attorneys and clients.
• Perform additional duties and tasks assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to supporting the firm's overall objectives.

Competencies:

• Communication: Understands the importance of and demonstrates verbal, written, and non-verbal communications.
• Customer/Client Experience: Creates a consistent and exceptional experience for others, whether directly to external clients/customers or indirectly through internal support, that elevates the overall perception of the firm.
• Job Knowledge & Technical Skill: Demonstrates an understanding of objectives, duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the job with exceptional quality work.
• Team Player: Works within team and cross-functionally to meet required results.

Job Qualifications (Education, Experience and Certification): Bachelor's degree strongly preferred (preferably in a technical field like engineering, computer science, chemistry, or biology). Three (3) + years of patent prosecution experience at a law firm or corporate IP department. Deep understanding of USPTO procedures and patent prosecution processes. Familiarity with PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) and international filing requirements. Knowledge of patent document types and formalities (applications, office actions, declarations, etc.). Experience with patent docketing systems and deadline management. Proficiency in programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, iManage, USPTO filing systems (EFS-Web, Patent Center), Intapp, patent docketing software (e.g., CPI, Foundation IP, etc.). Exceptional attention to detail. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication for client and foreign counsel coordination. Analytical skills for reviewing patent documents and creating reports. Ability to work under pressure and meet strict USPTO deadlines.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this position, the employee must have the ability to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time; manipulate (lift, carry, move) weights of at least ten (10) pounds; have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on a computer and/or related office equipment; speak clearly and concisely so listeners can understand; and regularly understand the speech of another person. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Professional office atmosphere. Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Position may require occasional off-hour meetings and events. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those this position may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule: At this time, this position allows for a hybrid schedule and in-office days are expected to be Mondays and Thursdays, with flexibility to switch days as needed with approval. Additional days in-office may be required depending on business need and the demands of specific tasks. The hybrid work structure may change at any time, including the number of in-office days requirement.

Compensation: Holland & Hart offers of employment take into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, as well as the position's work location, external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. The Colorado and Nevada salary range is $28.24 - $47.07 per hour. The Washington D.C. salary range is $31.06 - $51.78 per hour. A discretionary bonus may be available based upon performance.

Application Window: The application window is anticipated to close on or after November 30, 2026. Holland & Hart reserves the right to close the position prior to or after this date.

Benefits: Holland & Hart works hard to promote work/life balance with a 37.5-hour scheduled work week for most staff employees, a robust wellness program, and generous PTO and holiday pay for eligible employees. Full-time employees become eligible for benefits on the date hire, with a benefits offering that includes medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, EAP, STD, and LTD. Also available are voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurances, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. In addition, the firm has programs that may provide for educational assistance, free or discounted legal services, and opportunities through the Holland & Hart Foundation, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating volunteer opportunities for lawyers, staff, families, and friends of Holland & Hart LLP. Part-time employees may have access to some of these benefits, which may be on a pro-rated basis.