Description

We provide an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. Candidates will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Each client brings novel and diverse technologies to our firm. Therefore, candidates will learn about a variety of new technologies, learn to identify inventive features, learn to describe the inventions, and work with the Patent Office to allow a patent for the technology. The position also requires candidates to possess the ability to explain and describe new technologies in a way that is concise and descriptive. 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

1. Reviewing new client technologies to determine potentially patentable inventions.
2. Creating technical diagrams and drawings that describe the invention.
3. Writing patent applications, including description and claims, with clarity and technical accuracy.
4. Analyzing cited references, developing amendments and arguments, and conducting Examiner interviews.

To be successful in this position candidates must be a strong communicator, both written and oral. Candidates must be able to work independently, with a large amount of working freedom. In addition, each candidate will eventually participate in a patent law course and become registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”).

Education and Experience: 

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or other similar technical field is required (advanced degree or work experience preferred). Preference for candidates with artificial intelligence/machine learning coursework and experience.
• At least two years of patent preparation and prosecution experience, including experience at the USPTO or in private practice.
• Former USPTO Examiner experience is a plus.
• Registration number to practice before the USPTO is preferred. In the absence of having a registration number, interest and eligibility to obtain a registration number are required.
• At least part-time attendance at a Knobbe office in Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle/Bellevue, New York, or Washington D.C. required.
• Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
• Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and communication skills. 

Base salary for this position is $125,000 to $170,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The compensation for this position may include bonuses.

Knobbe Martens is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veterans. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories.

At Knobbe Martens, the health and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We offer competitive pay and health benefits, generous paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, a flexible spending account, wellness programs, and more. Details related to benefits will be confirmed at time of hire. More information about benefits here.