Paralegal

About This Role

This Intellectual Property (IP) Paralegal role provides legal and general support to the firm's attorneys and their clients, focusing on the perfection and enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The position requires familiarity with and observance of the firm's established policies and guidelines, maintaining positive contact with various stakeholders, and observing confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and support the prosecution and maintenance of domestic and international trademark applications and portfolios, including Madrid Protocol filings, Paris Convention priority claims, renewals, and coordination with foreign associates
• Prepare, file, and support the prosecution and maintenance of domestic and international patent applications and portfolios, including Patent Center filings, and coordination with foreign associates
• Conduct trademark searches using relevant trademark databases and research tools
• Assist with responses to USPTO office actions, letters of protest, and inter partes proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)
• Support intellectual property due diligence, including the review and organization of IP-related records and documentation
• Maintain accurate docketing records and monitor deadlines to ensure timely completion of filings and other required actions across the IP team
• Interpret and apply applicable U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rules, procedures, and filing requirements
• Coordinate with foreign associates, clients, and internal team members to facilitate the efficient management of international IP matters
• Proactively address client needs, communicate updates, and help ensure responsive, high-quality client service
• Use and maintain IP docketing and matter management systems, including PATTSY; familiarity with PracticeLink is a plus
• Accommodate after-hours filings and time-sensitive deadlines as needed
• Perform additional administrative and IP-related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree
• Seven to ten years of prior intellectual property practice experience
• Knowledge of USPTO Patent Center and patent filing process
• Knowledge of Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) documentation and filing requirements
• General office and administrative experience
• Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with current office software and database applications, including Microsoft Access or comparable database software
• Familiarity with USPTO databases and trademark research tools, including Saegis and Corsearch
• Familiarity with corporate entities, transactional documentation, due diligence, or securities-related matters
• Ability to conduct research, follow established procedures, and learn new concepts quickly
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel; familiarity with electronic document management systems is preferred
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, colleagues, and outside service providers
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to take initiative, work independently, and recognize when guidance is needed
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment to decisions
• Travel for meetings and training as required
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs

Nice to have:

• Intellectual property (IP) training and/or a paralegal certificate

Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)
• Flexible benefits program
• Tuition assistance
• Generous 401(k) plan

Important Details

• Schedule: Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule; flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet filing deadlines and other time-sensitive requirements, including evenings and occasional weekends
• Travel: Ability and willingness to travel to off-site locations as required
• Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

About the Company

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment and business casual dress code.