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Associate Patent Attorney Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Patent Agent

Chattanooga, TN · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the ... The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ...

Patent Agent

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the ... The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ...

Patent Agent

Chattanooga, TN · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the ... The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ...

Patent Agent

Nashville, TN · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the ... The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ...

Correspond with foreign counsel and, under the guidance of the attorney, provide instructions ... Associates degree or Bachelor's degree with a major in paralegal studies, or * A Bachelor's degree ...

Associate Patent Attorney information

See Tennessee salary details

$41.8K

$98.2K

$156.6K

How much do associate patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate patent attorney in Tennessee is $98,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,600.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by associate patent attorneys when working with inventors and technical teams?

Associate Patent Attorneys often navigate the challenge of translating complex technical concepts from inventors into clear, legally robust patent applications. Collaborating with technical teams requires strong communication skills to ensure that all inventive aspects are accurately captured and protected. Additionally, managing competing deadlines for multiple patent filings and responding to office actions from patent examiners can be demanding. Successfully balancing these responsibilities while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of patent laws is essential for career growth in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate patent attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Patent Attorney, you need a strong background in law and a relevant technical or scientific field, along with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to the patent bar. Familiarity with patent management systems, prior art search databases, and intellectual property (IP) software is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for drafting precise patent applications, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting clients’ innovations.

What is the difference between Associate Patent Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectAssociate Patent AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), patent bar admission, law licenseTechnical degree (e.g., engineering, science), patent bar admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent officesPatent law firms, corporate R&D departments, patent offices
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDrafting patent applications, legal analysis, client counseling, patent prosecutionDrafting patent applications, patent prosecution, legal analysis (no law license required)

Associate Patent Attorneys typically hold a law degree and are licensed attorneys, allowing them to provide legal advice and represent clients in legal proceedings. Patent Agents, on the other hand, have technical degrees and pass the patent bar but are not licensed attorneys, focusing mainly on patent prosecution and drafting. Both roles are essential in patent law, but Associate Patent Attorneys can handle broader legal matters beyond patent prosecution.

What is an associate patent attorney?

An Associate Patent Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in patent law, typically working under the supervision of more senior attorneys at a law firm or in-house legal department. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and prosecuting patent applications, conducting patentability and infringement analyses, and advising clients on intellectual property matters. They often hold a law degree and a technical or scientific background, enabling them to understand complex inventions. Associate Patent Attorneys work closely with inventors, examiners, and clients to secure and protect patent rights.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Attorney jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Patent Attorney jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Associate Patent Attorney jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Associate Patent Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Patent Attorney job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,168 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

$100K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Husch Blackwell rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 34 rated law firms


Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have an immediate opening for a Patent Agent with three or more (preferably 6+) years of experience. We will consider candidates for any of our offices including our virtual office, The Link.

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Our Intellectual Property litigation and transactional practices are significantly expanding throughout the country. The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15+ paralegals. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The program manager focuses on the professional development of patents agents and engineers and assists with workload management.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

  • Prosecuting patent applications, including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
  • Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
  • Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
  • Staying up to date on developments in U.S. patent law and relevant technologies.
  • Meet a billable hour requirement of 1500 - 1700 hours per year.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required.
  • Three or more years (preferably 6+) of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm environment.
  • Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
  • Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Registered as a Patent Agent after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Artificial Intelligence or Quantum Computing experience a plus.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

Compensation and Benefits

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The full time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $100,000– $170,000. Salary will vary depending on market data. Bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter, transcript and resume when applying.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.
Principal Applicants Only.

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