Patent Agent

Japanese patent agency US operation office in Arlington, VA seeks Patent Agent with law firm prosecution trained and strong experience in MPEP-based practice


Comfortable with Japanese-client workflows. Willing to handle both prosecution and administrative support

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid/Remote, within 2-3 hours driving distance) Please note: During the first six months of employment, regular in-office attendance is expected.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt,


Compensation: $130,000-$150,000


Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off

About the Role


We are growing intellectual property practice in Japan and Asia, seeking a Patent Agent to support U.S. patent prosecution matters for sophisticated international clients across a broad range of technologies.


This position is focused on high-quality patent prosecution and requires a candidate who is comfortable working within established drafting and prosecution workflows, adapting to client-specific instructions, and collaborating closely with attorneys, foreign associates, and technical stakeholders.


The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in U.S. patent prosecution, working knowledge of USPTO examination practice and the MPEP, and experience preparing Office Action responses, claim amendments, and patent applications.


The role offers exposure to innovative technologies from global companies in industries including automotive, electronics, software, communications, and advanced manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities


Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications from invention disclosure through allowance.


Prepare specifications, claims, drawings instructions, and other filing materials for submission to the USPTO.


Analyze USPTO Office Actions and prepare persuasive responses, including claim amendments and legal arguments.


Conduct examiner interviews and assist in developing prosecution strategies.


Apply USPTO and MPEP guidance relating to patentability issues under 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, 103, and 112.


Communicate with inventors, foreign associates, and supervising attorneys regarding prosecution matters.


Manage patent dockets and ensure timely handling of prosecution deadlines.


Support administrative, filing, coordination, and prosecution-related tasks as assigned.


Adapt drafting style and prosecution approaches to align with client instructions and firm standards.


Qualifications


Required


USPTO Patent Agent registration.


Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM discipline (Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field).


Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on U.S. patent prosecution experience in a patent law firm or patent prosecution practice.


Demonstrated experience drafting:


Patent applications


Claim amendments


Office Action responses


Working knowledge of USPTO examination procedures and the MPEP.


Experience conducting or participating in examiner interviews.


Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.


Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.


Willingness to work within structured prosecution workflows and client-specific requirements.


Preferred


Experience supporting international or foreign-origin patent portfolios.


Experience working with foreign associates and international clients.


Familiarity with Japanese business culture or Japanese client environments.


Japanese language ability (not required).

To apply, please email your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io


Application Form