Paralegal (Patent Prosecution)

Dentons offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. We are an Affirmative Action Employer. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

About Dentons

Dentons is the world's largest law firm, connecting talent to the world's challenges and opportunities in more than 75 countries. Dentons' legal and business solutions benefit from deep roots in our communities and award-winning advancements in client service, including Nextlaw, Dentons’ innovation and strategic advisory services. Dentons' polycentric and purpose-driven approach, commitment to inclusion and diversity, and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client and community interests in the New Dynamic. www.dentons.com

Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a full-time Patent Prosecution Paralegal to be based in our Dallas office.  This position will support the Dallas Intellectual Property &Technology (IP&T) Practitioners and the national IP&T Practice Group.  This position will report to the Senior Director and the Manager, Paralegal Services. 

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications domestically and internationally, including electronic filings.
• Assist attorney(s) with drafting and editing domestic and foreign  prosecution documents for uploading at the USPTO, including but not limited to, new applications (Provisional, Non-Provisional, Continuations, Divisionals), responses to Missing Parts, Restriction Requirements, Office Actions, Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), and Assignment Recordations and Certificates of Correction.
• Assist attorney(s) with drafting, editing, and filing Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications.
• Work with and advise foreign counsel in connection with prosecution and maintenance of patent applications outside of the United States, including arranging for payment of bills from foreign counsel and vendors.
• Review the Notice of Allowance prior to payment of issue fees.
• Assist in preparation of declarations, certificates of correction and corrected filing receipts.
• Client reporting of incoming correspondence and completed tasks.
• Prepare status reports and other client-requested reports/tasks.
• File individual actions as needed.
• Oversee tracking and maintenance of individual dockets.
• Work with IPT Docketing Department to update docket and ensure it is accurate.
• Other duties as assigned to meet the minimum billable hour and performance based requirements for this position.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Associates Degree required or Paralegal Certificate and equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience required providing exceptionally high-quality service.
• Applicant must have a solid understanding of both US and foreign patent lifecycles and the ability to work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with reviewing file wrappers and filing domestic applications via Private PAIR; and filing Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications via PCT Safe (or using editable PCT/RO/101 forms.
• An understanding of domestic and foreign annuities/renewals and patent docket databases, such as IP Manager, Inprotech, and/or CPI are required.
• Knowledge of the PCT Service Center Online Document Upload, WIPO PatentScope, Espacenet, European Patent Register, and other foreign patent websites a plus.
• Desire to work in a legal environment and effective time management.
• Must have superior communication skills and be able to work in a team environment.
• Must have the ability to interact and work productively with all levels of firm staff.
• Professional demeanor, attention to detail, and great organizational skills are essential.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem resolution abilities appropriately combining logic, analysis, and follow-through.
• Ability to provide direction and training to junior team members.
• Ability to maintain discretion and privacy with confidential matters and documents.
• Ability to recognize and comprehend facts and legal concepts.
• Ability to meet minimum billable hourly requirement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PDF creation tool(s), document management software, Intapp or other timekeeping software, Internet required.
• Excellent client service, ability to work overtime and travel as needed.