IP Paralegal, Patent Docketing

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is seeking a qualified IP Paralegal, Patent Docketing. This position will work as part of the patent docketing team. Job duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Manages primary communications with outside patent counsel and US and foreign patent offices; verifies accuracy of patent prosecution correspondence.
• Enters patent prosecution details and deadlines into the patent docketing management database, including opening new patent records, entry of patent office actions and responses as filed, etc. Monitors patent prosecution deadlines.
• Creates complex reports.
• Executes payments of patent annuities through third party service provider.
• Collects documents and data; coordinates and oversees document collections and processing. Coordinates execution of formal patent documents.
• Reviews, maintains, and monitors database for accuracy.
• Works with outside patent counsel to track patent deadlines throughout prosecution until issuance, maintain patents, and obtain and relay inventor information required for new patent filings, including updating inventor data in the patent docketing management database.
• Provides administrative support to Associate Director including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, faxing, mailing, template document typing, and correspondence drafting.

This docketing position requires knowledge of and familiarity with the documents routinely found in the file wrappers of USPTO, PCT, and foreign patent applications. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year prior US and foreign patent docketing experience, as well as experience using various patent docketing management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite programs such as Excel and Word.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy, and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.

Manages primary communications with outside patent counsel and US and foreign patent offices. Enters, monitors, and maintains prosecution details and deadlines into databases and creates complex reports. Executes payments of patent annuities and corresponds with external stakeholders to track patent information. Coordinates document collection, processing, and execution.

Heavy computer use. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to manage multiple complex projects at the same time.

Little physical effort; mostly sedentary.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.