Intellectual Property Docket Specialist

Taft is seeking an Intellectual Property (“IP”) Docket Specialist to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced IP Docket Specialist with a strong background in patent docketing to support the firm’s Intellectual Property Docketing Team. The IP Docket Specialist is responsible for accurately managing U.S. and international patent deadlines, maintaining the integrity of the firm’s IP docketing system, supporting attorneys and IP professionals, and ensuring timely completion and reporting of docketed deadlines. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a high volume of time-sensitive matters. All Taft employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy—in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all aspects of IP docketing for U.S. and international IP portfolios, with a primary focus on patent prosecution matters.
• Monitor and maintain critical filing, response, and statutory deadlines to ensure timely action by attorneys and IP team members.
• Prepare and distribute docket reports as requested by attorneys and legal teams to ensure that all deadlines are met. Maintain direct contact with internal clients to ensure daily docket deadlines are satisfied.
• Enter, update, audit, and clear filing deadlines, reminders, and related docket activities in the firm’s docketing system Foundation IP (FIP).
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the docket database to create specialized reports and make appropriate changes, as necessary.
• Assist with the intake, review, and auditing of transferred Intellectual Property matters and electronic case records.
• Review incoming correspondence and filings for docketing requirements and ensure appropriate deadlines and activities are entered accurately and timely.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, and legislative rulings impacting all IP procedures and regulations.
• Communicate with the USPTO and, as appropriate, foreign intellectual property offices or other relevant authorities to confirm procedural requirements and deadlines.
• Identify opportunities to improve docketing policies, procedures, and workflows and recommend operational enhancements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of U.S. patent terminology, prosecution procedures, and statutory and procedural deadlines.
• Working knowledge of foreign patent prosecution procedures, deadlines, and docketing requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of docketing software. Foundation IP (FIP) is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local intellectual property laws and regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.

Qualifications:

• Some education beyond high school required; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• At least seven (5) years of related patent docketing experience preferred.
• Experience with Foundation IP (FIP) docketing system preferred.

Candidates interested in Atlanta can apply here.

Candidates interested in Chicago can apply here.

Candidates interested in Cincinnati can apply here.

Candidates interested in Cleveland can apply here.

Candidates interested in Columbus can apply here.

Candidates interested in Dayton can apply here.

Candidates interested in Detroit can apply here.

Candidates interested in Denver can apply here.

Candidates interested in Indianapolis can apply here.

Candidates interested in Minneapolis can apply here.

Candidates interested in West Palm Beach can apply here.

Candidates interested in Washington, DC can apply here.

 

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^{Taft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this posting presents general duties, tasks, and responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP participates in E-VERIFY.}