Patent Docket Specialist

San Francisco, CA, Palo Alto, CA, Los Angeles, CA, San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, New York, NY or Washington, DC

Responsibilities

• Consistently promote and model the Firm’s Client Service Principles in teamwork, work product, and personal interaction.
• Ensure exemplary client service to all internal and external clients; proactively promote client service throughout department and among teams; respond to peer requests with recognition that request serves a client or Firm need.
• Docket incoming US Patent Trademark Office and foreign filing mail into docketing database; double checking for accuracy.  Write effective notes into the database to ensure shared knowledge and historical reference.  Routinely apply judgment to ensure that risk management is safeguarded, and docket data is complete and reliable.
• Manage all forms of correspondence is accurately entered into the database and record keeping system. Investigate perceived discrepancies and inconsistencies in due dates and dockets; analyze and review mail where response dates are not apparent or where contingencies may exist; report issues and findings to appropriate attorneys and staff.
• Act as resource to attorneys and staff, providing docketing guidance and expertise.  Regularly and effectively communicate docket standards, protocols, and procedures to ensure understanding and compliance within department.
• Review outgoing filings; de-docket relevant dates in docketing database; forecast and enter next action.
• Ensure that any discrepancies in docket dates and responses are appropriately resolved and corrected.
• Review relevant documents, such as letters, faxes, email, etc., relating to foreign filing responses and de-docket as appropriate; follow though with foreign filing specialists and department members as necessary.
• Generate regular docket reports and distribute to department members.
• Review and follow through on updates to docket report as identified by department members, input updates into docketing database.
• Prepare ad hoc docket reports for department members and clients, customizing as appropriate.  Collaborate closely with department members to ensure that client reports are formatted and prepared to meet client needs.
• Collaborating and assist in the regular review and assessment of docketing procedures; participate in and coordinate updates to procedures; develop responsive procedural changes.
• Assist with periodic docket audits and proactively respond to underlying issues.
• Participate in special projects involving docket function or that require docket expertise, historical knowledge, etc.
• Provide in-depth, detailed, and analytical research on docket-related issues and questions; follow through on findings; propose and implement measures as appropriate to improve processes to reduce future risk.
• Scrupulously review all work product to ensure highest accuracy; routinely apply techniques and procedures to manage details, often working under critical deadlines.
• Actively prioritize work responding to deadlines and changing critical needs. 

Qualifications

• Minimum three to five years of patent docketing experience preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively and to prioritize under pressure; ability to meet deadlines under sometimes stressful conditions.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work, excellent proofreading skills.
• Advanced analytical and information gathering skills; ability to evaluate and prioritize extensive, detailed data.
• Ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information concisely.
• A highly proactive, solution-oriented approach to work and team interaction.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word.
• Availability to work overtime, flexibility regarding work schedule. 

Benefits

• Firm offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

*Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications. 

**New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto salary range: $70,000.00-$104,000.00, plus overtime and bonus

Los Angeles, San Diego salary, Washington D.C. range: $65,000.00-$98,000.00, plus overtime and bonus

Denver salary range: $61,000.00-$91,000.00, plus overtime and bonus 

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