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Intellectual Property Law Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Umd

Intellectual Property Associate

College Park, MD · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

Knowledge of federal intellectual property law and policies.Knowledge of procedures and regulations of the patent prosecution process.Skill in oral and written communication.Skill in the use of ...

Secretariat

Manager, Intellectual Property

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Your skills and expertise will be utilized on day one - working with the world's most renowned law ... ABOUT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY TEAM Intellectual property litigation requires clear, expert ...

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All JobsIntellectual Property Law JobsIntellectual Property Law Jobs in Reston, VA

Intellectual Property Law information

See Reston, VA salary details

$53.6K

$76.5K

$97.3K

How much do intellectual property law jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for intellectual property law in Reston, VA is $76,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is intellectual property law?

Intellectual property law is a branch of law that protects the rights of creators over their inventions, artistic works, brands, and designs. It covers different types of intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. This area of law allows creators and businesses to control how their intellectual creations are used and to benefit from their work, while also balancing public interests. Intellectual property law is important for encouraging innovation and creativity by ensuring legal protection and enforcement mechanisms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intellectual property lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intellectual Property Lawyer, you need a law degree, bar admission, and strong expertise in IP laws, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), patent/trademark filing systems, and relevant certifications (like a USPTO registration for patent law) is often required. Exceptional analytical thinking, negotiation, and communication skills help you interpret complex legal matters and advocate for clients effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for protecting clients’ intellectual assets and ensuring compliance in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in intellectual property law, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Intellectual Property (IP) Law often navigate complex and ever-evolving legal frameworks, requiring continuous learning to stay up to date with new precedents, treaties, and technological innovations. They regularly face challenges such as balancing client expectations with the realities of IP enforcement, handling tight deadlines for filings, and managing international jurisdictions. Collaboration with inventors, engineers, and business teams is essential, requiring strong communication skills to translate technical concepts into legal arguments. Staying organized, leveraging technology for research and case management, and maintaining open communication with colleagues and clients are key strategies for managing these challenges.

What is the difference between Intellectual Property Law vs Patent Agent?

AspectIntellectual Property LawPatent Agent
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admissionTechnical degree, patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departmentsPatent offices, law firms, corporate R&D
Industry UsageLegal advice, litigation, licensingPatent application, prosecution, drafting

Intellectual Property Law professionals focus on legal aspects of IP, including litigation and licensing, requiring a law degree and bar admission. Patent Agents specialize in patent application processes, needing technical degrees and passing the patent bar exam. Both roles work within the IP industry but serve different functions—legal counsel versus patent prosecution.

Is there a demand for intellectual property law?

There is strong demand for intellectual property law professionals due to the increasing importance of protecting innovations, trademarks, and copyrights in technology, entertainment, and healthcare industries. Lawyers in this field often work with patent filings, licensing, and litigation, and demand is expected to grow as new technologies emerge and intellectual property becomes more valuable.

What can I do with an intellectual property law degree?

An intellectual property law degree prepares individuals for careers such as patent attorney, trademark attorney, or IP litigator, involving tasks like patent prosecution, IP litigation, and licensing negotiations. It often requires passing the patent bar exam and understanding patent, copyright, and trademark laws. Professionals in this field work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, focusing on protecting and managing intellectual property rights.

What do intellectual property lawyers do?

Intellectual property lawyers advise clients on protecting their inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They handle legal disputes, draft licensing agreements, and ensure compliance with intellectual property laws, often working with patent and trademark offices. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of relevant legal procedures are essential in this role.
Intellectual Property Law jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intellectual Property Law job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,525 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

GENERAL ATTORNEY - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (Washington)

Washington, DC • On-site

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Finance and Insurance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissionexternal

$151K - $256K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

GENERAL ATTORNEY - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Join to apply for the GENERAL ATTORNEY - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY role at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

This position is in the Contracting, Budget, Real Estate, and Leasing subgroup, a component of the Litigation and Administrative Practice Group in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The subgroup provides legal and policy advice to the Commission and the SEC's divisions and offices on a wide range of legal matters including procurement, appropriations, real estate, leasing and intellectual property, and defends the Commission in administrative and federal court litigation.

The individual selected for this position is responsible for providing legal advice and representing the Commission in matters involving Intellectual Property and related issues.

Typical duties

  • Provides legal advice to the Commission on intellectual property law matters (primarily copyright and trademark), and responds to potential infringement and misuse of the Commission's trademarks and agency seal in fraudulent schemes
  • Litigates patent and other intellectual property (IP)-related disputes, including serving as team lead where appropriate; coordinates with outside counsel as necessary to further the agency's interests in litigation and proceedings
  • Oversees the maintenance and protection of the Commission's registered trademarks, official seal, and related branding, including drafting necessary filings with the Patent & Trademark Office, monitoring reports of potential trademark infringement, drafting cease and desist letters to potential infringers, and drafting needed licensing agreements for appropriate third-party use of the SEC's registered marks
  • Advises Commission offices and divisions on intellectual property law, including copyright, patent, and trademark issues
  • Investigates and takes appropriate action against advanced fee frauds and other schemes involving the misappropriation of Commission intellectual property and/or impersonation of SEC employees, and identifies and implements process improvements for such matters
  • Advises Commission offices and divisions on new and novel uses of data resources, social media, online technologies, and related services, including reviewing and/or negotiating terms of service agreements for government-compatible data rights and data usage provisions and other policy-related issues
  • Advises the Assistant General Counsel and Associate General Counsel regarding difficult, complex, and/or novel issues within their expertise, and serves as a resource and subject matter expert for others

Base pay range: $151,597.00/yr - $256,833.00/yr

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Legal

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