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Associate Patent Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patent Litigation Attorney

Boston, MA · On-site

$215K - $300K/yr

Job Title - Patent Litigation Attorney Job Location - Boston, Massachusetts Base Salary - $215,000 ... The associate will support a wide range of intellectual property matters, including: * Managing and ...

Patent Associate -- Full-Time | 3-6 Years Experience | San Diego About the Firm Our client is a ... Their IP team is built differently: attorneys who aren't just lawyers -- they're former scientists ...

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Associate Patent Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do associate patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate patent attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Associate Patent Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Associate Patent Attorney job openings:
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What states have the most Associate Patent Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Patent Attorney jobs include:
Experienced EE/Computer Science Patent Attorney

Experienced EE/Computer Science Patent Attorney

Burris Law, PLLC

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Burris Law Seeks Experienced EE/Computer Science Patent Attorney

Primary Function of Position

Burris Law, PLLC, a growing boutique IP law firm, seeks a patent attorney with a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science to work in our newly opened St. Louis, MO office. Primarily a patent preparation and prosecution role, the attorney will be responsible for drafting and globally prosecuting patent applications in the electrical and/or computer science arts as well as occasionally preparing invalidity, infringement, and freedom-to operate opinions. Preferred candidates will have five or more years of patent drafting experience, and have domestic and international prosecution experience.


Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Drafting utility patent applications and responses to US and foreign office actions
  • Collaborating closely with engineers and scientists, leading invention harvesting meetings and reviewing invention disclosures for filing strategy
  • Managing a substantial patent portfolio in designated technology areas
  • Overseeing and instructing foreign associates, including substantive drafting and reviews
  • Advising clients on other IP matters, such as those related to copyrights, trade secrets, and trademarks
  • Supporting IP due diligence, transactional and licensing activities
  • Leading or supporting special projects as needed, such as supporting IP portfolio management and opinion work

Qualifications

Skills, Experience, Education, & Training

  • Juris Doctorate and member in good standing of the Bar, preferably Missouri State Bar
  • Registered and in good standing to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or an equivalent degree
  • Electrical engineering job experience preferred
  • Candidates must also have good academic credentials and have strong written and oral communications skills
  • Team player
  • Self-starter with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Able to accurately prioritize and multi-task to complete projects smoothly and on-time
  • Excellent organizational skills, time-management ability, attention to detail

Why Burris Law

Who We Are, Incentives

Burris Law prioritizes the success of its team members. We know that engagement is critical to maintaining a happy workforce, and we foster engagement by creating an environment where our people can be themselves, spread their wings, thrive, and grow.

We offer competitive base salary & bonus/incentive programs, 401(k) with employer match, employer paid health insurance for employees, dental and vision insurance, generous holiday time, firm paid disability, firm paid life insurance, parental leave, unlimited vacation, job advancement potential and a marketing team dedicated to your growth.