Intellectual Property Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Vorys is a special place! Vorys offers competitive pay, professional development, a robust benefits package on day one, and a culture of client service that permeates not only how we serve clients, but how we treat one another. Join us and experience The Vorys Difference!

Position Summary:

Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP is searching for an experienced IP Specialist in our Houston, Texas office. The IP Specialist focuses on patent application lifecycle management, trademark prosecution and maintenance, and IP research and diligence. This role partners closely with attorneys, clients, and foreign associates to ensure accurate filings, timely responses, and consistent portfolio reporting across U.S. and international matters. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to take on responsibility and work in a challenging environment while receiving competitive compensation and benefits.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare and coordinate filing materials for U.S., PCT, and design patent matters, including provisional and non-provisional applications, transmittal papers, declarations, assignments, powers of attorney, and preliminary amendments.
• Support patent prosecution by drafting and filing responses to USPTO communications, including missing parts responses, extension requests, petitions, notices of appeal, and information disclosure statements (IDS).
• Manage post-allowance tasks through issuance, including tracking deadlines, preparing and filing responses to notices of allowance, coordinating issue fee payments, reviewing issued patents, and drafting certificates of correction.
• Perform routine USPTO private database status checks and prepare domestic and foreign status reports for clients.
• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications, prosecution responses, and post-registration maintenance filings.
• Draft and record trademark assignments, security interests, and title changes using the USPTO Electronic Trademark Assignment System (ETAS).
• Coordinate international trademark prosecution and maintenance through foreign counsel and via WIPO/Madrid Protocol.
• Support TTAB matters by assisting with filings such as notices of opposition, cancellation petitions, and related pleadings, and by collecting and organizing evidence of use.
• Conduct patent, trademark, and copyright record searches to identify chain-of-title issues, liens, or ownership defects in support of corporate transactions.
• Perform trademark screening/clearance searches, WHOIS domain lookups, and internet-based factual investigations.
• Monitor and analyze trademark watch notices, flagging potentially conflicting third-party applications for attorney review.
• Monitor the daily docket to ensure statutory and procedural deadlines are met; leverage working knowledge of IP docketing systems.
• Draft client-facing correspondence, including reporting letters, fee reminders, and status updates.
• Coordinate with foreign associates on international filings and formalities.
• Manage document localization/legalization requirements for foreign applications and litigation support.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Working knowledge of USPTO filing and status systems; familiarity with ETAS and WIPO/Madrid processes preferred
• Strong written communication skills for client reporting and coordination with foreign counsel
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and document management tools; experience with IP docketing software preferred. Experience with CPI is a plus
• Familiarity with procedures for billable and tracking time

Education and Experience:

• 3 or more years' experience in international and domestic trademark and/or patent prosecution.
• 1+ years’ experience with copyright prosecution and recordation is a plus.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree a plus.
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA approved paralegal program is a plus, but not required.

The expected pay scale for this position is $33.33–$38.46 per hour (overtime eligible per applicable laws) with an approximate annualized equivalent of $64,993.50–$75,000.00 based on 37.50 hrs./week. Actual earnings may vary. The actual compensation offered will depend on factors such as your qualifications, relevant experience, education, work location, and market conditions.

At Vorys, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where employees can succeed both personally and professionally. We offer competitive compensation along with a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term goals. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and disability coverage, paid maternity & parental leave, family building resources, identity theft protection, a 401(k) plan, and paid sick, personal and vacation time. Some benefits are provided automatically, while others may be available for voluntary enrollment. You’ll also have access to opportunities for professional growth, work-life balance, and programs that recognize and celebrate your contributions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Vorys does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual’s sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, race, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Vorys only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.

Vorys is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals in our employment application process unless doing so would constitute an undue hardship. If you need assistance or an accommodation in our employment application process due to a disability; due to a limitation related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; or due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance, please contact Julie McDonald, CHRO. Our policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process.