Associate - Software Patent Prosecution

Patterson Sheridan, LLP is currently seeking an experienced Associate to support our intellectual property practice, with a focus on software and electronics. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering, and have 5 years of strong patent prosecution experience. This position is a full-time, exempt role with flexibility depending on the candidate’s location and experience.

Associate - Software Patent Prosecution

Patterson Sheridan, LLP is seeking an Associate to support our intellectual property practice, with a focus on software and electronics. 

The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering, and have 5 years of strong patent prosecution experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Low-level software applications, including work relating to operating systems, computer networks, storage systems, or other computer related fields
• Electro-mechanical medical devices
• Sensors, such as implantable sensors
• Imaging and visualization systems
• Optics
• Robotics and complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
• Cybersecurity 
• Wireless communications
• Batteries and other electric vehicle applications

This position is a full-time, exempt role, with flexibility depending on the candidate’s location and experience.

What You’ll Work On

You will support sophisticated clients in protecting innovation across a broad range of software and technology-driven matters, including:

• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications relating to software 
• Managing patent portfolios 
• Developing prosecution strategy in close collaboration with partners and clients 
• Working directly with inventors, in-house counsel, and business stakeholders 
• Advising on patentability, claim strategy, and portfolio development 
• Supporting client needs across fast-moving and evolving technology sectors
• Assisting with freedom-to-operate and landscape studies
• Assisting with infringement and invalidity opinions

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role presents a compelling opportunity for the right candidate to step into a highly visible position supporting one of the firm’s cornerstone clients and helping grow an expanding software practice. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to have:

• Direct Impact with a High-Profile Client: Immediate, hands-on work with a cornerstone client on sophisticated, cutting-edge matters 
• Meaningful Client Contact: Opportunity to directly interface with the client, build trusted relationships, and help manage portfolios 
• Build, Not Just Bill: A chance to play an instrumental role in shaping and expanding an important practice area 
• Autonomy and Ownership: Significant responsibility and independence, with room to take ownership of matters and client workflows 
• Accelerated Path to Advancement: Close partner access and a lean team structure that supports faster professional growth and long-term leadership opportunities 
• Mentorship Opportunities: Ability over time to help guide and mentor more junior associates as the practice continues to grow 

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school 
• Admission to at least one state bar and in good standing 
• Registration before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office preferred, or eligibility to sit for the patent bar depending on technical background 
• Meaningful patent prosecution experience, ideally with software, computer science, or related technologies 
• Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with partners and clients 
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and excellent project-management skills 

For more information and to apply please click here: Supporting Page