Experienced Chemistry Patent Agent

Direct Counsel is seeking an Experienced Chemistry Patent Agent to join a leading international law firm with a nationally recognized intellectual property practice. This opportunity is available in Palo Alto, San Francisco, or Boston.

This role offers the opportunity to work with an elite patent prosecution team advising innovative companies across the life sciences and chemical industries. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of patent prosecution experience, a Ph.D. in Chemistry, and a strong interest in helping clients develop and execute sophisticated intellectual property strategies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.

• Develop and implement patent prosecution strategies aligned with clients' business objectives.

• Conduct technical and legal research and analysis related to matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

• Advise clients on patent portfolio development, protection, and management.

• Analyze scientific and technical innovations and translate complex concepts into effective patent applications.

• Provide technical support for Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings and intellectual property litigation matters.

• Collaborate with attorneys, scientists, inventors, and in-house counsel on strategic intellectual property initiatives.

• Assist clients with intellectual property counseling and freedom-to-operate considerations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry required.

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office required.

• 3–5 years of patent prosecution experience.

• Strong patent drafting and prosecution experience.

• Outstanding analytical, research, and writing abilities.

• Excellent academic credentials.

• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to legal and business audiences.

• Strong attention to detail and project management skills.

• Experience supporting PTAB proceedings or patent litigation matters is a plus.

Work Environment

The firm is known for its collaborative culture, commitment to innovation, and cross-office teamwork. Patent agents work closely with attorneys, scientists, inventors, and clients across a wide range of industries while receiving substantial mentorship, professional development support, and opportunities for career growth.

The firm offers a dynamic environment where professionals can build sophisticated intellectual property practices while working on cutting-edge technologies and complex patent matters for industry-leading clients.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected compensation ranges from $145,000 to $185,000, depending on experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors.

The firm offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

• Industry-leading parental leave and family-building benefits

• Adoption and fertility assistance programs

• Flexible time off and paid holidays

• 401(k) and profit-sharing contributions

• Wellness programs and mental health resources

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Robust pro bono initiatives and community engagement programs

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced chemistry patent professional to join one of the nation's premier intellectual property practices and work with innovative companies at the forefront of scientific and technological advancement.