Patent Prosecution Assistant (hybrid)

MERCHANT & GOULD PC • Minneapolis, MN

1d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Merchant & Gould has been a leader in intellectual property law for more than 100 years. We are recognized as one of the most active filers of patents in the country, and are consistently rated among the top patent, copyright and trademark firms. We currently have an opportunity for a patent prosecution assistant. The salary range for the position is $55,000-$65,000, based years of experience.
Summary of Position (hybrid):
The Patent Prosecution Assistant plays a key role in supporting the firm’s IDS segment, a resource responsible for managing complex IP matters and ensuring the accurate preparation and filing of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS). This role focuses on maintaining accurate IDS records and assisting with USPTO submissions. In addition, the assistant provides support in general patent prosecution.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
• Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with IP management systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new skills/software as needed.
• Position may require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Regular attendance at work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules.
• Track and compile prior art references (patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature) cited in related cases across U.S. and foreign patent families.
• Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with legal assistants and attorneys to verify citation accuracy and relevance before submission.
• Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
• Fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards to include, but not limited to: attorney client correspondence and communications.
• Assist with special tasks or duties as requested by manager.
• Adhere to internal timetable for handling and clearing the department docket.
• Prepare, review and edit billing invoices
• Save all communications in the appropriate document management system.
• Assist with management of IDS inbox for large clients.
• Forwarding IDS Instructions to outside vendor.
• Serve as a mediator with outside vendor.
• Address time-sensitive IDS action items.
• Monitor docket for an urgent IDS deadline for the matter
• Assist legal assistants with the preparation and review of routine U.S. and foreign filing documents and correspondence.
• Organize and maintain files in accordance with firm and client guidelines.
• Retrieve documents and filings from the USPTO, WIPO, EPO, and other patent authority databases.
• Track key deadlines and coordinate with legal assistants to ensure timely filing and compliance.
• Help prepare materials for client reporting, billing entries, and internal audits.
• Support special projects and general administrative needs within the patent prosecution group.
• Creates patent drawings from sketches, instructions, or CAD files which are to scale and easy to interpret. Drawings must meet the Patent Office specifications.
• Communicate with attorneys and staff to determine client needs and application deadlines.

Benefits

• a competitive salary
• a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, and ten firm holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed