Intellectual Property Associate Jobs in Minnesota

Merchant & Gould, one of the nation's premier intellectual property law firms, is seeking a Trademark Legal Assistant. This position may be located in our New York, Boston, Minneapolis or Atlanta location. The salary range for this position is $55,000 - 85,000, based on years of experience and geographical location.

Summary of Position:
We are seeking an experienced Trademark Legal Assistant to support 2–3 trademark attorneys in all aspects of U.S. and international trademark prosecution, TTAB opposition and cancellation proceedings, and trademark portfolio management.  This position requires a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and serves as a trusted partner to attorneys by managing dockets, coordinating client communications, monitoring deadlines, and ensuring matters progress efficiently.  Experience supporting TTAB opposition/cancellation proceedings and trademark litigation is strongly preferred.
In order to perform one (1) or more essential functions of this role, a minimum of three (3) days in the office is required.
Trademark Prosecution & Portfolio Management

• Support attorneys throughout all phases of U.S. and international trademark prosecution and post-registration maintenance.
• Open and close client matters, initiate conflict checks, prepare engagement letters, and maintain accurate client and matter files.
• Prepare prosecution forms, filing estimates, status reports, Office Action reporting emails, post-registration correspondence, and Change of Address/Representation filings.
• Conduct foreign status checks, communicate with foreign associates, and coordinate international correspondence.

• Assist attorneys with TTAB opposition and cancellation proceedings.
• Draft templates for discovery requests, motions, pleadings, and other TTAB filings.
• Prepare and coordinate TTAB filings, cease-and-desist correspondence, and enforcement-related follow-up.
• Support trademark litigation matters as assigned.

• Maintain and review trademark docketing systems for accuracy.
• Review attorney dockets regularly, proactively monitor deadlines, and follow up with attorneys and clients regarding required actions and instructions.
• Review incoming USPTO and docketing correspondence, route deadline-sensitive matters appropriately, and maintain personal docket tracking records.
• Prepare attorney deadline lists and assist in managing daily workflow priorities.

• Record daily time entries and assist attorneys with billing, proformas, invoices, and foreign associate billing.
• Prepare client reports, cost estimates, audit response letters, and special requests.
• Update client information, Legal Tracker, WebTMS, Anaqua, and other client systems as needed.
• Coordinate meetings, conference calls, and other attorney support activities.

• Serve as a backup to other members of the Trademark Legal Support Team.
• Participate in department projects, process improvements, and file maintenance initiatives.
• Assist with training and mentoring newer legal assistants.
• Review work for accuracy and compliance with firm policies and perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 5 years of trademark legal assistant experience, preferably in an intellectual property law firm.
• Experience supporting TTAB opposition and cancellation proceedings; trademark litigation experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. trademark prosecution, post-registration practice, and docket management.
• Experience with trademark docketing systems, Microsoft Office, document management systems, and legal billing software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, initiative, professionalism, and commitment to delivering exceptional client service while working collaboratively with attorneys and legal support professionals.

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including: 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.

To be considered, please apply online at Career Opportunities (merchantgould.com). You will need to provide a resume and professional references.

Merchant & Gould provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 1-612-332-5300.

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