Patent Agent (High Technology Patent Prosecution)

Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Agent to join a leading Am Law 100 law firm's Intellectual Property Practice in San Diego. This opportunity is ideal for a technically sophisticated patent professional seeking to work with innovative companies developing cutting-edge technologies across a variety of industries.

The firm's patent prosecution team advises clients ranging from emerging growth companies to global technology leaders, helping them develop, protect, and maximize the value of their intellectual property portfolios worldwide.

About the Role

The Patent Agent will work closely with attorneys, inventors, engineers, and corporate stakeholders to develop and execute strategic patent protection programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing invention disclosure materials and participating in inventor interviews.

• Conducting patentability assessments and prior art analyses.

• Drafting U.S. patent applications across a variety of technology sectors.

• Analyzing USPTO office actions and developing response strategies.

• Conducting examiner interviews and preparing responses to office actions.

• Managing U.S. and international patent prosecution matters.

• Coordinating foreign filing strategies and portfolio management activities.

• Supporting due diligence reviews and freedom-to-operate analyses.

• Assisting clients in identifying and protecting valuable innovations.

This role provides exposure to sophisticated intellectual property matters while working directly with leading innovators in rapidly evolving technology sectors.

Qualifications

• Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is required.

• Minimum of one year of patent prosecution experience.

• Technical background in one or more of the following disciplines:

  • Computer Science

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

• Experience working with one or more of the following technologies:

  • Hardware and electronic devices

  • Software technologies

  • Database systems

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning

  • Wireless communications

  • Image processing

  • Signal processing

• Prior law firm experience is strongly preferred.

• Excellent written, analytical, and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Professional demeanor and ability to interact effectively with sophisticated clients and inventors.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to work within a nationally recognized intellectual property practice that serves innovative companies across a broad range of industries.

Professionals in this group benefit from:

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and emerging innovations.

• Direct interaction with inventors, engineers, and business leaders.

• Meaningful responsibility in managing patent portfolios and prosecution strategy.

• Strong mentorship and professional development opportunities.

• A collaborative and entrepreneurial team environment.

• Access to a broad platform of intellectual property, litigation, and transactional professionals.

Work Environment

The firm values collaboration and professional development through in-person interaction. Team members are expected to work from the office approximately 60% of the time in accordance with the firm's hybrid work guidelines.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected annual base salary ranges from $130,000 – $200,000, depending on experience, technical background, qualifications, and market factors. This position is also eligible for performance-based bonus compensation.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development resources, and long-term growth opportunities within a nationally recognized intellectual property practice.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Patent Agent seeking sophisticated prosecution work, exposure to advanced technologies, and the opportunity to build a long-term career within a premier intellectual property platform.