IP Paralegal

Annual Wage Range: $72,012.80 - $99,017.60 
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses 
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

W.R. Grace (“Grace”) is looking for a seasoned IP paralegal to primarily support Grace’s business segments in protecting the intellectual property related to catalysts and silica-based materials in conjunction with the Assistant General Counsel, IP for Grace. This role reports to the Assistant General Counsel, IP. The ideal candidate will have proven ability to independently shoulder the following responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage patent and trademark prosecution dockets including tracking docket dates to ensure outside counsel is timely meeting docket due dates.
• Manage and oversee CPI under attorney supervision in order to properly maintain files for matters handled by outside and in-house counsel.
• Assist in routine matters that do not require direct in-house attorney assistance or instruction.
• Provide guidance on patent maintenance decisions, requests for examinations, information disclosure statements, use of PAIR, and the like.
• Serve as liaison between Outside Counsel and Grace Technical/ Business Personnel. 
• Manage correspondence and prepare declarations, powers of attorney, agreements, foreign filing instructions, and the like for execution of Grace’s technical and business personnel.
• Communicate between patent attorneys, business segment managers and inventors, such as memoranda concerning filing confirmation, IDS submissions, office actions, allowances, and the like.
• Support agreement work (including confidentiality, research, testing, and joint development agreements)
• Support IP Department with other activities such as prior art searching/ acquisition activities (due diligence).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal certificate
• 5+ years of experience as a patent paralegal or IP Specialist at a law firm or company
• Database, Web/Search, and Computer Skills (e.g., , PAIR)
• Microsoft® Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe® Acrobat
• Outlook and Teams
• Close attention to detail
• Independent and collaborative work ethic
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility when handling multiple projects required
• Approachable and positive attitude

• #LI -TC1

Preferred Qualifications

• Chemistry background with experience in conducting prior art searches.
• Experience with CPI
• Trademark experience
• Managing and creating Power BI interactive dashboards.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans 
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.