IP Paralegal

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff. We are always looking ahead to develop innovative new products and services to improve our customers' safety, security, and productivity.

What We Offer:

Rite-Hite provides competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and paid medical leave. We also provide a retirement savings plan that combines 401(K) with company match and profit sharing. Paid holidays, vacation, and up to five paid personal/sick days per year round out the package.

Rite-Hite is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer offering a drug free workplace for our customers and employees.

Job Description:

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented IP Paralegal to join our global manufacturing company’s legal department. This position will play a critical role in supporting the legal department’s intellectual property function, with an emphasis on patents and trademarks. This individual will assist with docketing, filings, maintenance, budget control, and portfolio management, working closely with in-house counsel, inventors, and outside counsel to ensure the company’s IP rights are secured and maintained worldwide.

This position will offer a candidate a collaborative, supportive and inclusive workplace culture, a flexible hybrid work schedule, the opportunity to work closely with senior legal and business leadership, and exposure to global operations and international contracting.

This is a hybrid position requiring three days per week in the office, with the flexibility to work remotely two days per week.

In this Role, You Will

• Coordinate and manage the company’s global patent and trademark portfolios, including searching, filing, prosecution, and maintenance.
• Prepare and file U.S. and international patent and trademark documents, including assignments, declarations, IDS, and power of attorney forms.
• Maintain and update the IP docketing system, ensuring accurate deadlines and reminders as well as smooth integration with other legal and corporate systems.
• Assist with invention disclosure intake and processing; liaise with inventors and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor annuity and renewal deadlines and coordinate payment processes with third-party vendors.
• Conduct preliminary trademark searches and coordinate clearance reviews with counsel.
• Support and/or manage domain name maintenance and domain name enforcement activity.
• Support IP litigation and enforcement matters, including document collection and file preparation.
• Maintain and organize IP files, records, and documentation in accordance with company standards.
• Coordinate with outside counsel on prosecution, oppositions, and administrative proceedings.
• Assist in developing IP-related training materials and presentations for internal teams.
• Support financial management of the company’s IP portfolio, including vendor billing, execution of and adherence to fee arrangements, and budget tracking.
• Support competitive monitoring of third-party IP.
  
  

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree required; Paralegal certificate preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of experience as a paralegal.
• Three or more years of IP paralegal experience, preferably in a corporate legal department or IP law firm.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and international patent and trademark procedures and filings.
• Experience with IP docketing systems and related system integrations, as well as USPTO/EPO systems.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Manufacturing or engineering industry experience a plus.
  
  

Additional Job Information: