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Patent Agent Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

Mcguirewoods

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

Husch Blackwell Llp

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ... Registered as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. * Artificial Intelligence ...

Husch Blackwell Llp

Patent Agent

Oakland, CA · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15 ... Registered as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. * Artificial Intelligence ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$195K - $246K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

Mcguirewoods

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$187K - $236K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

Dinsmore

Patent Agent

San Diego, CA · On-site

Dinsmore is seeking a Patent Agent in the Computer Science or Computer Engineering field to join our growing Intellectual Property practice group. This position may be remote in any state in which ...

Route 92 Medical

Patent Agent (San Mateo)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

At the core is a reconsidered procedural approach, cutting‑edge engineering, and innovative ... The Patent Agent will work closely with internal teams to ensure agreements align with regulatory ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA

$140K/yr

EE/CS Patent Agent - SF/Other Locations Join a Top Intellectual Property Law Firm Group: A leading ... Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatent Agent Engineer JobsPatent Agent Engineer Jobs in California

Patent Agent Engineer information

See California salary details

$56.3K

$113.9K

$166.8K

How much do patent agent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent agent engineer in California is $113,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent agent engineer?

Patent Agent Engineers are professionals who combine technical expertise in engineering with specialized knowledge of patent law and procedures. They are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to represent inventors in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. While they are not attorneys, they can advise clients on patentability and help protect intellectual property rights for inventions. Their background allows them to understand complex engineering inventions and communicate effectively with both inventors and patent examiners.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a patent agent engineer?

To thrive as a Patent Agent Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or a related technical field, along with registration as a Patent Agent with the USPTO. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management software, and strong technical writing skills are typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately preparing patent applications, communicating complex inventions, and ensuring legal compliance throughout the patent process.

How does a patent agent engineer collaborate with inventors and R&D teams during the patent application process?

Patent Agent Engineers frequently work closely with inventors and research and development (R&D) teams to understand new technologies and innovations. They facilitate technical discussions to gather detailed information necessary for drafting accurate and effective patent applications. This role often involves translating complex engineering concepts into clear, legally sound language, and may require ongoing communication to address questions from patent examiners. Successful collaboration not only ensures the strength of patent filings but also fosters innovation by helping teams navigate intellectual property protection efficiently.

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

AspectPatent Agent EngineerPatent Attorney
CredentialsEngineering degree, patent bar examLaw degree, patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, R&D departments, law firmsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, patent offices
Industry UsageDrafting and prosecuting patents, technical analysisLegal advice, patent litigation, licensing

Patent Agent Engineers primarily focus on drafting and prosecuting patents using their engineering expertise and passing the patent bar exam. Patent Attorneys, in addition to technical skills, have law degrees and can handle legal matters like litigation and licensing. Both roles are essential in the patent process, but Patent Agent Engineers are more technically oriented, while Patent Attorneys provide legal counsel.

What are popular job titles related to Patent Agent Engineer jobs in California?

For Patent Agent Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patent Agent Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Patent Agent Engineer jobs in California are:

Patent Agent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Agent Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,940 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

McGuireWoods rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 34 rated law firms

Job description

Overview

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, and experience and interest preparing patent applications.

McGuireWoods, one of the world's leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

Responsibilities
  • Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
  • Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, inferences, reexaminations, interviews and reissues.
  • Negotiates and drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
  • Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
  • Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches, publication clearance reviews and assists in maintaining an active prosecution docket.
Qualifications
  • Requires Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm. 
  • Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
  • Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
  • Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
  • Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

Have more questions?  Connect with a recruiter directly.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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