IP Patent Prosecution Supervisor

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, one of the world's leading global law firms with offices in strategic hubs of commerce, law, and government across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, is seeking to hire an IP Patent Prosecution Supervisor to join our Intellectual Property Patent Support Unit (PATSU). The Patent Prosecution Supervisor will be responsible for supporting patent prosecution activities — including the preparation and filing of documents with the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign national patent offices — while overseeing the administration, supervision, and professional development of the practice's patent prosecution specialists.

The Patent Prosecution Supervisor is managed by the Senior Manager of Patent Support Services, but will have frequent contact with, and will receive guidance from, attorneys and patent agents in the practice group and legal practice support management for whom this individual provides support.

Morgan Lewis recognizes the benefits of supporting flexible working arrangements. This position will reside in our Washington, DC office with a hybrid in-office/remote working schedule. Flexibility with overtime is required.

Key responsibilities of this position may include:

• Performing all tasks in support of Senior Manager of Patent Support Services while managing assigned docket and collaborating with IP Prosecution team and attorneys

• Leads the training of employees; plans, assigns, and directs work assignments; assists the regional manager in interviewing, hiring, appraising performance; addresses complaints and resolves problems; assists in the recruiting process for new patent prosecution specialists, including interviewing and new hire training

• Reviews and approves requested leave and timesheets

• Updates and improves the Firm's Patent administrative processes, procedures, and forms

• Leads special projects and overflow work

• Leads by example; establishes clear expectations; sets direction and priorities; ensures that work levels are balanced among all staff; resolves internal staff issues in a timely manner; keeps staff informed of all appropriate information; builds effective team; delegates at appropriate level

• Facilitates the development of staff by providing opportunities and support; provides timely feedback on work product; regularly coaches, evaluates, and recognizes staff performance and accomplishments

• Establishes/adheres to Department budget; seeks opportunities to improve Department efficiency and reduce expenses by streamlining operations

• Supervises daily operations of patent prosecution staff, including workflow and assignments, quality control of work, and coordination of work; develops, implements, and maintains team best practices

• Prepares non-technical prosecution documents, including Notices to File Missing Parts, Notices to File Corrected Application Papers, Inventor Declaration, Assignment and Power of Attorney

• Reviews and processes Filing Receipt, Notice of Recordation, Office Actions, Notice of Allowances, Recordation of Assignment, Letters Patent, Certificate of Correction and Notice of Publication in accordance with set guidelines and procedures

• Contacts USPTO with status questions; contacts patent examiner regarding missing information

• Makes arrangements with draftsman to correct drawings as necessary

• Monitors patent docket; creates and updates client status charts and reports

• Prepares patent prosecution documents, including transcribing instructions (written and/or verbal), producing patent applications, correspondence, reports, and memoranda; proofreading and redlining

• Prepares pre-issuance documents, including Issue Fee Payments, Publication Fee Payments, and Requests for Recomputations of Patent Term Adjustment

• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Qualifications

• A high school diploma; some post-high school education preferred;

• A minimum of 10 years patent experience, and a minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong proofreading skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Time management and organizational skills to prioritize work.

• Strong leadership skills and ability to think critically and see “big picture” effects .

• Self-starter with a professional demeanor and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a wide range of individuals with differing opinions and diverse personalities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, iManage, and ability to adapt to new software programs.

• Candidates must possess a team-oriented attitude.

Benefits / Why Join Us

Morgan Lewis offers attractive benefits and competitive salaries. Our compensation structure rewards exceptional performance and recognizes the talent and experience that our people gain with each year of service. We are committed to offering the best and most comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical coverage, with a variety of plans

• Health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts

• Domestic partner coverage

• Parental leave

• Vacation and holiday leave

• Life and accident insurance

• Income protection, including sick leave, salary continuation, and long term disability.

Qualified candidates must apply online by visiting our website at www.morganlewis.com and selecting “Careers.”

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For positions in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this position is: $102,300.00 - $163,650.00.

The base salary or hourly wage range for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. The final salary or hourly wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. Additionally, salary or hourly wages may be only part of the total compensation package. The total compensation package for this position may also include a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, the employee will be in an "at-will position" and the firm reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, firm or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value inclusion and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

California Applicants: Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, the following link contains the Firm's California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice for Candidates which explains the categories of personal information that we collect and the purposes for which we use such personal information. CCPA Privacy Notice for Candidates

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP reasonably accommodates applicants and employees who need them to perform the essential functions of the job because of disability, religious belief, or other reason protected by applicable law.  If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Talent Acquisition at 888.534.5003 or talent.acquisition@morganlewis.com

If hired, your employment relationship with the firm will be on an "at-will" basis, meaning that the firm may modify the terms and conditions of your employment at any time, and that either you or the firm will be free to end the relationship at any time with or without cause and with or without advance notice, although reasonable notice would be expected.