Senior IP Docket Specialist

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.  If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Senior IP Docket Specialist position. This position may be filled remotely, or in any of our locations.

The Senior Intellectual Property (“IP”) Docket Specialist is responsible for monitoring assigned shared mailboxes and related docket requests and docketing same in a timely manner according to firm guidelines and procedures utilizing the firm’s IP Business docketing software. The Senior IP Docket Specialist reports to the Senior IP Docket Manager and will assist the Senior IP Docket Manager as needed and directed in additional projects within the Centralized IP Docket Team. Essential job functions include:

• Oversee and ensure accurate entry and date calculation for docket entries
• Assist Senior IP Docketing Manager with training members of the Central Docketing team
• Review and accurately comprehend documents submitted to ensure all deadlines are identified and docketed
• Review USPTO and foreign filings and double-check accuracy via the foreign and domestic agency websites as necessary
• De-docket completed deadlines
• Verify accuracy of docketed items and de-docketed items and resolve any discrepancies
• Ensure accuracy of and update timekeepers assigned to matters
• Create, review, schedule and distribute accurate advanced docket reports for patent and trademark cases
• Respond professionally and constructively to requests from timekeepers and staff regarding docketed dates, foreign and domestic agency rules and regulations
• Collaborate with Docketing, Risk, IP PSC and other firm leadership to continually improve the firm’s docketing best practices, policies, and processes
• Process abandoned and transferred matters and assist with onboarding of incoming portfolios
• Oversee quality assurance review for patent and trademark filings by noting and referring any errors or omissions observed during the normal course of docketing duties
• Open new matters and input records into IP Docketing system, PattsyWave, for both foreign and domestic patent, trademark, and copyright cases
• Review all correspondence pertaining to IP prosecution and enter all due dates contained in incoming correspondence, including faxes and emails, into the docketing system
• Assist with special projects
• Remain current with developments, procedures and regulations in US and foreign filing entities
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• 2‐year degree or Paralegal Certificate required; 4‐year degree preferred in related field
• 10+ years IP docketing experience with specific proficiency using IP docketing software such as PattsyWave, Foundation IP, or CPi
• Advanced knowledge of US and foreign patent and trademark prosecution procedures, including statutory and filing deadlines as well as all facets of IP business workflows
• Working knowledge of the Maintenance Fee-Annuity-Renewal processes for patent and trademark modules
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, DMS systems such as NetDocs; ability to prepare, export, edit, filter, sort, search, and reformat large spreadsheets within Excel
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical abilities, research and resourcefulness
• Ability to adapt to change and balance competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Keep current with USPTO, PCT, Madrid Protocol and Foreign IP rules and practices

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $70,000 - $142,000 
• State of Colorado: $64,000 - $114,000
• State of Illinois: $63,000 - $122,000
• State of Maine: $47,000 - $109,000
• State of Maryland: $68,000 - $102,000
• State of Massachusetts: $70,000 - $133,000
• State of Minnesota: $70,000 - $115,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $76,000 - $137,000
• State of New York: $65,000 - $140,000
• State of Vermont: $69,000 - $132,000
• State of Virginia: $45,000 - $132,000
• State of Washington: $68,000 - $128,000
• Washington, D.C.: $90,000 - $132,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus, however bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.

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Qualifications Education Required Certification or better. Associates or better. Preferred Bachelors or better. Experience Required Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Document Management systems Working knowledge of the Maintenance Fee-Annuity-Renewal processes for patent and trademark modules Advanced knowledge of US and foreign patent and trademark prosecution procedures IP docketing experience with specific proficiency using IP docketing software such as PattsyWave, Foundation IP, or CPi Equal Opportunity Employer
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