Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property

Senior Paralegal, Intellectual Property

GIA is the world's foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters.

We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans. Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits.

On-site cafe - affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks! Economic friendly services - electric vehicle charging stations on-site. Ergonomic assessments offered on-site and virtually.

We are looking for an experienced Intellectual Property Senior Paralegal to join our in-house legal team. In this role, you will support the management and protection of the company's global IP portfolio, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. You will work closely with the Legal Affairs team, business stakeholders, and external counsel to help safeguard and grow our valuable IP assets. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, business-focused environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the Institute's brand and innovation strategy.

Job competencies (skills & abilities):

• Language skills: Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English required
• Communication skills: ability to communicate complex info in a simplified and clear manner; can communicate effectively with others, able to develop and modify communication strategies to deliver difficult or complex information. Actively listens and encourages the open expression of diverse ideas
• Interpersonal skills: ability to create positive interactions with colleagues; actively communicates with co-workers or with management in a timely & professional manner; maintains collaborative working relationship with others and peers to improve performance
• Teamwork: Interface well with others, knows who to go to and how to communicate issues/needs. Knows how to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders
• Problem Solving: Works on complex issues, requiring the ability to synthesize and analyze multiple sources of information to independently solve problems requiring strong judgement and decision-making abilities
• Time Management/Organizational skills: Manages time and priorities appropriately - approaches work in an organized and systematic manner. Able to manage large projects and deadlines
• Flexibility: able to adapt to change, able to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail. Able to adapt communication styles. Understands that different situations may call for different approaches
• Personal Accountability: continually improves performance; takes personal accountability for decisions, actions & outcomes. Follows through on commitments and encourages others do the same

Key responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain the company's domestic and international trademark and patent portfolios
• Coordinate and track filings, renewals, and deadlines with outside counsel
• Monitor IP watch notices, assist with clearance searches, and support enforcement efforts
• Maintain IP records and databases, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting
• Assist with IP-related agreements, audits, and due diligence projects
• Provide general support on copyright, licensing, and other IP matters as needed

Minimum qualifications (knowledge & experience):

• Bachelor's degree in related field, and 5+ years of IP paralegal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program or equivalent experience.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trademark and patent systems, procedures and filings (e.g.: USPTO, WIPO, EUIPO).
• Experience managing IP databases/docketing systems.
• Proficiency in IP docketing systems

Additional requirements:

• Hybrid work schedule. Required to work at least 3 days at Carlsbad, CA office.

Work environment / physical demands:

• Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment.
• Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business-related machines and software.

Salary Range: $82-$117k annually

An Equal Opportunity Employer All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.