Patent AND Trademark Paralegal
Buffalo, NY US
Job Description
A leading law firm of 300 attorneys across 30+ practice areas is seeking a Patent and Trademark Paralegal to join its nationally recognized Intellectual Property group. This role offers the chance to work closely with a high-performing team of IP attorneys and professionals, managing a wide array of domestic and international IP matters. The primary focus is on patent and trademark prosecution, docketing, and portfolio maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
Patent Support
Prepare and e-file U.S. And PCT patent documents (applications, amendments, RCEs, etc.)
File Information Disclosure Statements and obtain prior art references
- Record assignments with the USPTO
- Coordinate international patent filings and communications with foreign agents
- Monitor and respond to office actions from the USPTO and foreign offices
- Maintain and track patent docket deadlines
- Support invention disclosure documentation and patent committee reporting
Trademark Support
- Prepare and file U.S. Trademark applications, renewals, assignments, and maintenance filings
- Coordinate international trademark filings via Madrid Protocol and direct filings
- Monitor trademark deadlines, including office actions and opposition proceedings
- Communicate with clients regarding key trademark deadlines and filings
- Conduct preliminary clearance searches and prepare summaries for attorney review
Portfolio Management
- Maintain client IP portfolios in firm IP management systems
- Generate reports on patent and trademark statuses for internal and client use
- Coordinate annuity and maintenance fee payments with clients and vendors
Administrative & Support Duties
- Manage correspondence with clients, agents, and government offices
- Draft legal documents and routine correspondence under attorney supervision
- Maintain up-to-date IP records and ensure docket accuracy
- Upload documents to docketing and document management systems
- Conduct research and data compilation as needed
- Associate's degree required;Bachelor's or Paralegal Certificate from ABA-accredited program preferred
- 3 5+ years of IP paralegal experience, with substantial focus on patent and trademark prosecution
- Strong knowledge of USPTO and WIPO systems (Patent Center, TEAS, EPAS, ePCT)
- Experience with IP docketing software (e.G., Foundation IP, CPI, Anaqua)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and ability to edit image files
- Experience with document management systems (e.G., iManage)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional attention to detail, project management, and deadline tracking abilities
- Able to manage priorities independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Meet Your Recruiter
Peggy Koch
Vice President, National Recruiter
Peggy joined our staff in 2020 bringing 15 years of recruiting experience, and 20+ years of solid experience to the DCM team! In addition to her degree in Marketing from SUNY Alfred State, she has a demonstrated history in successful placements in the areas of Marketing, Legal, Human Resources, Medical, Accounting/Finance and Engineering. Peggy prides herself on working tirelessly to help clients and candidates alike find a great fit for their businesses and careers. Taking her passion for recruitment outside of the workplace, Peggy has used her volunteer time to speak at local colleges to help student-candidates early on in their careers with critical skills for future success such as guidance on creating a solid resume, conducting a successful job search, and the all-important interview preparation.
When not working hard recruiting, Peggy enjoys traveling and exploring new places, gardening, and baking.