Deputy Chief Policy Officer for Patents and Innovation

Are you an expert in U.S. and international intellectual property law and looking to make an impact in your next role? Come join us at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)! We're seeking a Deputy Chief Policy Officer for Patents and Innovation in the Office of Policy and International Affairs (OPIA) who will direct the successful administration and implementation of the strategic goals for OPIA.

Duties

• Leading and directing the formulation of legal policy proposals, preparation of interpretive and supporting documentation to carry out the programs and policies, and the review and analysis of other legal proposals concerning intellectual property matters.
• Analysis of patent-related policy issues before the executive branch and evaluation of public views through various means, including public hearings, request for comments, round tables, and other forms of stakeholder consultations.
• Developing patent-related policy and leading in promoting international development of intellectual property systems and advocating improvements in and more cost-effective means of protecting and enforcing the intellectual property rights of U.S. nationals throughout the world.
• Supporting developing and maintaining multilateral systems for the protection of intellectual property rights with respect to patent issues.
• Participation in the establishment, negotiation, examination, and execution of agreements with other intellectual property offices on patent matters, including the development and implementation of programs aimed at facilitating the acquisition and enforcement of patent rights.
• Participating in the intellectual property aspects of trade consultations in the conclusion of free trade agreements, bilateral investment treaties, and other trade agreements.
• Participating in the intellectual property aspects of United Nations negotiations relating to health, climate, food, security, and other matters that may intersect with intellectual property.
• Promotion of the establishment and execution of adequate and effective IP protection and enforcement systems in developing and least-developed countries.

The OPIA DCPO is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and management of the OPIA Patent Team, which includes attorneys and economists. Responsibilities include management oversight of the following:

• Recruitment, management and supervision of the selection, training and development of personnel.
• Coordination of policies relating to domestic and international patent-related issues and priorities.
• Development of policy priorities for the USPTO and the Administration with regard to the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for developing and least-developed countries.

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Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.

PTQs:

• Knowledge and experience in U.S. and international intellectual property legal systems and procedures, including patent law, and in international trade and IP treaties and agreements.
• Experience managing domestic and international programs, including planning, evaluation, and resource allocation.

ECQs: Commitment to the Rule of Law and Principles of the American Founding; Driving Efficiency; Merit and Competence; Leading People; Achieving Results

Education

You must have a law degree from an accredited law school program and must be a member of a bar in good standing in the United States or a Territory of the United States.

Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen or National. You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

The full list of conditions and qualifications can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.