Docketing Paralegal (Patent & Trademark Prosecution)

Established in 1995, Mueting Raasch Group (MRG) is a dynamic intellectual property law firm dedicated to helping innovators protect their ideas through comprehensive patent prosecution. We are seeking a Patent and Trademark Prosecution Docketing Paralegal to join our team.

The IP Docketing Paralegal is part of a team that is responsible for managing and maintaining the firm's intellectual property docketing system to ensure accurate tracking of deadlines for patent, trademark, and related IP matters. This role supports attorneys and paralegals by ensuring critical deadlines are calendared, monitored, and communicated in a timely and accurate manner. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and experienced in calculating U.S. and foreign IP deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the firm's IP docketing system (CPI).
• Review incoming correspondence and filings for docketing relevance.
• Accurately docket deadlines for U.S., PCT, and foreign patent and trademark matters based on USPTO, WIPO, and foreign associate communications.
• Calculate and docket deadlines for:
• New US, PCT, National Stage, and Foreign Application Filings
• Office Actions (US patent, trademark, and PCT)
• Foreign Actions
• Maintenance fees and annuities
• TM Declarations and renewals, Statements of Use, and TTAB matters
• Assist in generating and distributing daily, weekly, and monthly deadline reports to attorneys and staff.
• Follow up with responsible attorneys regarding upcoming deadlines.
• Escalate urgent or missed deadlines immediately per firm protocol.
• Assist with onboarding new matters into the docketing system.
• Maintain electronic IP files consistent with firm procedures.
• Support implementation of docketing best practices and risk management procedures.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives.

Job Qualification Requirements:

• 3+ years of IP docketing experience in a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Working knowledge of U.S. patent and trademark prosecution procedures.
• Familiarity with foreign patent and trademark deadline calculations.
• Experience with IP docketing software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high-volume deadline tracking.
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience.
• Experience with international filings (including OUS countries, PCT, Madrid Protocol).
• Knowledge of USPTO and ePCT rules and procedures.
• Experience with document management systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail (may be redundant with Job Qualification Requirements, above)
• Strong analytical and deadline-calculation abilities
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently

Work Environment

• Fast-paced legal environment with strict deadlines.
• May require occasional overtime to meet critical filing deadlines.
• Hybrid/remote flexibility based on firm policy.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Ability to review detailed documentation for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of objects of up to 25 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary. The salary range reflects various factors considered in making compensation decisions, including, but not limited to, relevant skills, training, experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications, as well as other job-related factors. A reasonable estimate for someone hired into this position is $26.00 - $36.00/hour based on a 40-hour-a-week schedule.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical (employer-paid for employees only), dental, vision, life/AD&D, STD, LTD, a health reimbursement account, a health savings account (employer contributions), pet insurance, and a 401(k)/profit-sharing retirement package. We also provide Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time, firm-issued equipment, a stipend for the home office, a hybrid working environment (some in-office required), in-office incentives offered such as monthly lunches and other incentives, discretionary bonuses, and a free on-site gym. Additionally, we offer professional development and continuing legal education assistance. Please provide a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations.

Mueting Raasch Group is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.