Patent Prosecution Specialist

Job Description

Trustpoint is partnering with a boutique intellectual property law firm, serving biotechnology, pharmaceutical, university, and life sciences innovators, in its search for an experienced Patent Prosecution Specialist to join the firm’s growing legal team in its Washington, DC office and support sophisticated U.S. and international patent prosecution matters for clients developing medicines, therapies, and scientific breakthroughs.

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This position serves as a key operational partner to our patent attorneys, ensuring patent matters move accurately, efficiently, and on time. Successful candidates will be comfortable taking ownership of their work, managing competing deadlines, and proactively keeping complex legal matters on track. The person in this position must be able to quickly assume ownership of an active patent prosecution portfolio with minimal ramp-up while contributing as a trusted member of the legal team. Duties include, but are not limited to:

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• Prepare, review, and coordinate U.S. and foreign patent prosecution filings.
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• Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), formal documents, assignments, declarations, powers of attorney, and other patent prosecution documentation.
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• Support attorneys with patent prosecution, patent maintenance matters, client reporting letters (CRLs), USPTO correspondence, and related prosecution workflows.
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• Coordinate correspondence with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO to ensure matters progress accurately and on time.
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• Review prosecution matters proactively, identify potential issues, and help keep complex patent portfolios moving efficiently.
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• Work collaboratively with the firm's Docketing Assistant, who manages docket maintenance, intake, and administrative workflow coordination, to ensure seamless matter management and timely filings.
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• Maintain accurate electronic matter files and prosecution records in the firm's practice management systems.
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• As needed, contribute to legal operations initiatives, workflow improvements, system implementation projects, SOP development, and other efforts that strengthen the firm's long-term operations and client service.
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Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree required; degrees in legal studies, biology, chemistry, engineering, or another scientific discipline are preferred.
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• 2–5+ years of hands-on U.S. patent prosecution experience within an intellectual property law firm.
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• Experience preparing and coordinating USPTO filings, IDSs, formal documents, docket management, patent maintenance support, and patent prosecution workflows.
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• Experience communicating professionally with clients, foreign associates, and the USPTO.
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• Demonstrated ability to manage numerous deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
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• Excellent written communication, organization, and time management skills.
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• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal practice management software.
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• Experience supporting international patent prosecution is preferred.
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• Experience with AppColl or comparable IP docketing software is a plus.
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• Experience working in a boutique intellectual property law firm is a plus.
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• Experience with IDS filings, Information Disclosure Statements, assignments, patent maintenance matters, and related prosecution workflows is preferred.
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This position offers the opportunity for meaningful legal work, greater ownership, and a firm that values both professional excellence and personal well-being.

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Base Salary: Starting at $35/hour, commensurate with experience

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If you would like to learn more about the Patent Prosecution Specialist position available in Washington, DC, then please submit your resume, in Word format, by clicking the Apply Now button.

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Key Details

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Physical Requirements

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• Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodations
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• Work is generally performed sitting, talking, hearing, and typing
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• This is a high-volume screen-based role, requiring constant, prolonged computer usage, including but not limited to: reviewing documents, managing visual content, and attending virtual meetings
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• Visual acuity required for computer use, data analysis, and extended reading
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• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
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• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and document handling
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• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
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• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds
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Remote Work & Information Security Requirements

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Employees in this role are expected to maintain a work environment that supports the protection of confidential, proprietary, and client-sensitive information, consistent with Company policies and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

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To support these obligations, individuals in this role should be able to:

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• Maintain a secure and reliable internet connection capable of supporting required systems and applications
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• Utilize company-issued or approved technology, including compliance with required security tools (e.g., VPN, multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection)
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• Conduct work in a manner that protects the confidentiality of information, including taking reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized access, viewing, or disclosure of sensitive materials
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• Follow all applicable information security, data privacy, and acceptable use policies as communicated by the Company
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• Promptly report any suspected security incidents, breaches, or system vulnerabilities in accordance with Company protocols
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Workplace Monitoring & Data Use Notice

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To protect client and Company systems, data, and confidential information, Trustpoint may implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, which may include monitoring of Company-provided systems, devices, and networks, consistent with applicable law.

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In certain roles, individuals may perform work within client-controlled environments, including client systems, platforms, or physical worksites. In such cases, work activities may also be subject to the client’s applicable policies, procedures, and monitoring practices.

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Trustpoint does not control client monitoring practices but expects that any such practices will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and contractual obligations. Additional information regarding applicable policies will be provided during the onboarding process or prior to assignment, as appropriate.

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Client Specific Requirements Notice

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Certain roles may be subject to additional client-specific screening, compliance, or credentialing requirements. Any such requirements will be communicated at the appropriate stage of the hiring process and will be administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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Pay Transparency Notice

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Pursuant to applicable law, this position includes a good-faith salary or hourly range at the time of posting. The final compensation offered will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, and business needs.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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Trustpoint provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.