IP PARALEGAL

Description

Monitors progress of patent cases and patent attorney/agent dockets through use of USPTO Private PAIR, IP Management Software and Document Management SystemDemonstrated efficient workload prioritization including the ability to efficiently manage multiple heavy dockets, multiple tasks, and e-mail workload including outside counsel e-mail review.Reviews patent application files to check for compliance with USPTO requirements and department standards, takes initiative to resolve discrepancies.Expert knowledge and working experience of the USPTO Patent Center filing system in order to independently draft and prepare simple to moderately complex patent legal documents for submission to the USPTO including (but not limited to) patent applications, figures, sequence listings, amendments, information disclosure statements, office action responses, requests for continued examination, notices of appeal, reply briefs, allowance checklists, allowed claims, issue fee payments, etc.Identifies patent legal issues and/or problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures and suggests and/or takes initiative to resolve.Frequent use and familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 37) and the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) to enable ability to identify legal issues/problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures.Performs Patent Term Adjustment review and analysis and delivery of analysis summary to patent attorney/agent.Assists with onboarding and mentoring legal assistants and paralegals.Frequently provides backup and support to legal assistants and paralegals.Process and reconcile expense reports.Organizes small and large group meetings for attorneys/agents including meeting agenda and meeting minutes preparation.Consistently seeks out opportunities to provide support when there are gaps in coverage.

Qualifications

Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office 2013 including Outlook, Word, ExcelAdvanced knowledge of IP Management Software and Document Management SoftwareAdvanced form editing capability in Adobe Acrobat ProProficient in use of basic to advanced forms including IP Management Software generated forms.Strong skills and experience with Patent-In software to generate sequence listings.Expert knowledge of domestic and foreign patent databases, e.g., PCT Scope; EPO Online, etc.Proficient with reference management including searching, procurement of patent references (U.S. and Foreign patents, journal articles) and familiarity with reference linking within IP management software or document management system.Proficient edit capability in Chemdraw.Advanced docketing experience working in an IP Management software application.Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software, processes and workflows in order to perform efficiently.Timely and efficient communicator with patent attorneys/agents, outside counsel firms, team members, cross-functional groups and stakeholdersExperienced and organized travel arrangerAdvanced knowledge of US and foreign patent proceduresKnowledge and expertise to customize/suggest language changes on forms as applicable to specific patent prosecution need.Advanced skills to independently draft and assist with attorney responses to worldwide foreign patent agents.Advanced oral, writing and communication skills.Excellent organizational and accountability skills, takes initiative to follow up with inventors, counsel and agents to meet critical deadline dates.Sets own high standards of performance and works to exceed standards; takes initiative to expand own knowledge of PTO rules.Demonstrated track record and valued resource to management.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience which is defined as 4 years of legal work experience above the minimum work experience required for the role.8+ years of work experience or Paralegal Certificate and 6+ years of work experience in a law firm, an in-house legal department, a consulting firm, or comparable experience elsewhere.

Benefits

Healthcare Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents healthcare coverage through BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics. Premiums are subsidized by Synectics.

Dental Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees and their dependents a dental plan through MetLife. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.

Vision Insurance: Synectics offers eligible employees vision insurance through VSP. Eligibility begins on the 1st day of the calendar month following 60 days of continuous full time employment with Synectics.401(k) Plan: The Synectics Inc. Investment Savings Retirement Plan. Synectics offers all employees who are 21 years of age or older the opportunity to invest in the 401(k) Plan on the first enrollment date that is at least 30 days after employment begins. Enrollment dates are each January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st.

Technical Certification Bonus: Synectics is pleased to award its employees a bonus of up to $500 for an approved professional certification. In determining the bonus amount, Synectics will consider the cost of the test(s) for any certification relating to your current position, achieved during your employment with us. Only one Certification Bonus per calendar year may be awarded per employee. Only current, active employees will be eligible to receive this bonus. It will be awarded 90 days after the Synectics office has received documentation confirming the successful completion of the certification.

Synectics is an equal opportunity employer.