PATENT ATTORNEY / PATENT AGENT - AI, SOFTWARE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Job Description

Job Description

SankerIP is a specialized intellectual property boutique focused on high-stakes patent prosecution and IP strategy for complex technologies. Our practice includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, software, semiconductor devices, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. We provide clients with sophisticated, litigation-ready patent portfolios without the bureaucracy and overhead of a traditional BigLaw platform.

SankerIP was recognized in the IAM Strategy 300: The World's Leading IP Strategists (2026) and ranked by Chambers in 2025 and 2026 for both AI and IP. The firm's founder has also been recognized twice by the Daily Journal as a Top AI Attorney.

The successful candidate will work directly with the firm's founder, a recognized AI patent practitioner and former Morgan Lewis partner with nearly two decades of BigLaw patent-law experience and a Ph.D. in Mathematics and J.D. from UC Berkeley.

Why SankerIP?

Sophisticated Work

Our clients include emerging technology companies, startups, and established technology businesses working at the forefront of innovation. You will work on matters involving:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Software and software architectures
• Semiconductor devices and systems
• Cybersecurity
• AR/VR
• Medical devices and diagnostics
• Other emerging technologies

Meaningful Ownership

You won't spend years waiting for someone to hand you responsibility. Depending on your experience, you will have the opportunity to:

• Manage sophisticated patent portfolios.
• Lead inventor and disclosure meetings.
• Develop prosecution and claim strategy.
• Communicate directly with clients.
• Draft applications and complex Office Action responses.
• Advise clients on portfolio strategy.
• Build long-term client relationships.

A Different Growth Model

SankerIP is intentionally building a different type of IP practice. We do not believe advancement should depend primarily on institutional seniority or a rigid, multi-year lockstep track. Strong performers can take on increasing responsibility in client management, technical and legal strategy, mentorship, practice development, business development, and firm leadership. For the right individual, this creates an accelerated and uncapped path toward equity and leadership.

What You'll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving AI/ML, software, semiconductor technologies, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies.
• Develop sophisticated claim and prosecution strategies.
• Independently draft patent applications and responses to complex Office Actions.
• Conduct examiner interviews and, where appropriate, appeals and PTAB matters.
• Conduct and evaluate patentability and freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches.
• Lead invention disclosure meetings with founders, executives, engineers, and technical teams.
• Identify patentable innovations and translate complex technical concepts into effective patent strategies.
• Manage sophisticated client portfolios with increasing autonomy.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding prosecution strategy and portfolio development.
• Mentor junior technical staff.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives as the firm's practice continues to grow.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of dedicated U.S. patent prosecution experience.
• Active registration with the USPTO.
• Strong technical background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with software, AI/ML, or other sophisticated emerging technologies.
• Excellent technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage patent matters with increasing independence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting applications involving AI/ML architectures or applications.
• Experience with complex Office Actions, examiner interviews, appeals, PTAB matters, or FTO analysis.
• Experience working directly with inventors, founders, engineers, or in-house counsel.
• Experience managing sophisticated patent portfolios.
• Interest in mentoring, client development, or practice development.

Exceptional candidates who do not check every preferred box are encouraged to apply. We care about the quality of your technical and prosecution experience, judgment, and ability to contribute - not simply checking every box on a resume.

Who Thrives Here

You may be an especially strong fit if you want more ownership of sophisticated patent matters, enjoy working directly with clients and inventors, have strong technical curiosity, can engage credibly with sophisticated engineers, and are comfortable making decisions without extensive supervision. You enjoy working in a fast-moving environment, want your contributions to the firm's growth to be visible and meaningful, and are interested in developing client relationships and eventually taking on significant leadership responsibility.

This role may not be the right fit for someone looking primarily for a highly structured associate position with narrowly defined responsibilities and a conventional lockstep advancement model.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, academic transcripts, and a brief cover letter or note describing your patent prosecution experience, technical background, and interest in SankerIP to us.

SankerIP is an equal opportunity employer.