Patent Scientist - Physics

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 United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) 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 features.

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 USPTO.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc) degree in physics, applied physics, engineering physics or related engineering disciplines with a strong understanding of solid-state physics including semiconductor physics. An advanced degree (MS or PhD) is a plus.
• Work experience in a related technical field, e.g., integrated circuit (IC) device design and fabrication, is desirable.
• 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 1 year of patent prosecution experience is desired.

·        Former USPTO Examiner experience is a plus.

• Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
• Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and communication skills.
• 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.

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. 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.

Knobbe Martens is a highly respected intellectual property law firm, offering legal services in all aspects of intellectual property and technology law. The firm’s litigation group handles cases throughout the U.S. and coordinates strategy for disputes worldwide. Founded in California in 1962, the firm has about 275 lawyers and scientists based in offices located in Orange County, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Bellavue, and Washington D.C. Knobbe Martens serves a diverse international client base, from multinational corporations to emerging businesses of all stages.

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 the firm can be found at knobbe.com.