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Patent Agent Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Summary Stinson LLP is seeking an experienced patent agent to join the patent prosecution group of our Intellectual Property and Technology Division. Stinson's patent agents procure patent protection ...

Summary Stinson LLP is seeking an experienced patent agent to join the patent prosecution group of our Intellectual Property and Technology Division. Stinson's patent agents procure patent protection ...

Patent Administrator

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$74K - $91K/yr

Collaborating with GLSC team members to gather information and instructions to assist patent attorney/agent with US/international patent application filing and prosecution, communicating requests and ...

Patent Attorney Development-oriented and visionary company is looking for a Patent Attorney. Are you experienced within IP and a self-driven person? 📍 Location: JBT Marel Boxmeer 🕒 Employment ...

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Patent Agent information

See Minnesota salary details

$55.8K

$113.1K

$165.5K

How much do patent agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent agent in Minnesota is $113,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,200.00 and $112,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent agent?

A Patent Agent is a professional who is qualified to prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications on behalf of inventors or organizations before the patent office. They are trained in both science or engineering and patent law, but unlike patent attorneys, they do not have a law degree and cannot represent clients in court. Patent Agents help protect inventions by ensuring they meet the requirements for patentability and by navigating the complex patent application process. Their expertise is valuable to companies, universities, and individuals seeking to secure intellectual property rights.

What do patent agents do?

As a patent agent, your responsibilities include around working with inventors as they pursue patent applicants. You help individuals or companies with an invention go through the patent application process or take other steps to protect their intellectual property, such as registering a trademark. As a patent agent, you search existing patents and then help the inventor refine their application based on your findings. You may also collect evidence and research patent violations on behalf of a client. However, since you are not an attorney, you do not represent clients in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Agent, you need a strong background in science or engineering, typically with at least a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and successful completion of the USPTO registration exam. Familiarity with patent search databases, intellectual property management systems, and legal research tools is crucial. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear written communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, thorough patent applications and effective client representation before the patent office.

What are some common challenges a patent agent faces when working with inventors and research teams?

Patent Agents often encounter challenges in translating complex technical concepts from inventors into clear, legally defensible patent applications. It can be demanding to bridge the gap between inventors’ technical language and the legal requirements of patent law. Additionally, Patent Agents must manage tight deadlines and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as R&D, legal, and sometimes marketing, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned throughout the patent prosecution process.

What is the difference between Patent Agent vs Patent Attorney?

AspectPatent AgentPatent Attorney
CredentialsPatent Bar exam, technical degreePatent Bar exam, law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, law firms, corporate IP departmentsLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent offices
Roles & ResponsibilitiesPreparing and filing patent applications, patent prosecutionPatent prosecution, legal advice, litigation, licensing

While both Patent Agents and Patent Attorneys handle patent applications and prosecution, Patent Agents are licensed to practice before the patent office after passing the Patent Bar exam, but cannot provide legal advice outside patent matters. Patent Attorneys, with law degrees and bar admission, can offer broader legal services including litigation and legal counseling. The choice depends on whether you need specialized patent prosecution or comprehensive legal services.

Is being a patent agent worth it?

A patent agent is a professional authorized to prepare and file patent applications, often requiring passing the Patent Bar exam and having technical expertise. The role offers opportunities in intellectual property law, with a typical work environment in law firms or corporate legal departments, and can lead to career advancement as a patent attorney. Compensation and job satisfaction depend on experience, specialization, and industry demand.

Is it difficult to become a patent agent?

Becoming a patent agent requires passing the Patent Bar exam, which tests knowledge of patent law and procedures, and typically involves a background in science or engineering. The exam is challenging and requires thorough preparation, but many candidates succeed with dedicated study and understanding of patent processes.

Is there a high demand for patent agents?

Patent agents are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for intellectual property protection in technology and innovation sectors. Their expertise in patent law and technical fields makes them valuable, especially as patent filings increase globally and companies seek to secure their inventions.

What qualifications do you need to be a patent agent?

To become a patent agent, candidates typically need a scientific or technical degree, such as in engineering or biology, and must pass the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patent bar exam. A strong understanding of patent law and technical writing skills are also important for success in the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Agent jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Patent Agent jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Patent Agent jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Patent Agent job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Patent Agent job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,075 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Patent Agent - Mechanical (MPL)

Stinson LLP

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Summary

Stinson LLP is seeking an experienced patent agent to join the patent prosecution group of our Intellectual Property and Technology Division.

Stinson's patent agents procure patent protection for its clients. The major clients that we advise include companies in the following industries: industrial automation software; aviation; industrial machinery and controls; medical devices; outdoor recreational products; consumer products; transportation; construction; agribusiness; sports and recreation; cannabis; heat, ventilating and air conditioning; infrastructure protection and repair; manufacturing equipment; and electrical and fiber optic connectors.

This position's responsibilities would include drafting and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications, providing patentability assessments, and assisting with freedom to operate and due diligence assessments.

Stinson offers highly competitive salary, benefits, and bonus structure based on billable hour target.

Please submit your application by no later than 45 days following the posted date. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Required Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree, higher degree, or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, or similar engineering degree and/or work experience
  • S. Patent & Trademark Office registration.
  • Exceptional writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
  • Experience managing patent prosecution docket and taking "ownership" of patent applications and patents during all phases of patent prosecution.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with supervising partners, patent legal administration assistants, patent paralegals, and docketing specialists.
  • Law firm or in-house IP experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

  • 7+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution is highly preferred.
  • Extensive experience across a broad range of technologies, including mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, and software, is a significant plus.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Patent Agent (95%)
    • Draft and globally prosecute patent applications.
    • Coordinate and correspond with foreign law firms and associates to file foreign patent applications.
    • Coordinate and correspond with clients for processing and legalization of formal documents for filing in U.S. and foreign patent offices.
    • Review country requirements and obtain Foreign Filing License where needed.
    • Maintain client patent portfolio.
    • Prepare and send notices to clients regarding upcoming deadlines.
    • Correspond with foreign law firms regarding filings, deadlines and billings.
    • Anticipate supervising partner or client needs for specific projects.
    • Delegate effectively and as appropriate with Paralegals or Legal Administrative Assistants.
    • Meet billable hour requirement of 1650 per year.
  • General and Administrative (5%)
    • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Highly professional with a strong customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
  • Strong professional, independent thinking skills with strength in problem solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.
  • A team player who motivates and educates other team members.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the person in this position will encounter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a professional, fast paced office environment that may require additional hours to complete work.

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. If an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, Stinson LLP will evaluate whether a reasonable accommodation can be made to enable the employee to perform the described essential functions of the position. Generally, due to the nature of this office position, while performing the responsibilities of the position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

EEO Statement

Stinson LLP is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, disabled, and other diverse candidates to apply to be considered for open positions. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. We conduct criminal background checks on all individuals offered employment. Information gathered through applicant voluntary self-identification will be used for statistical reporting and to measure the effectiveness of our EEO outreach efforts. All information is requested on a voluntary basis and will be kept confidential. We will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Benefits & Compensation

At Stinson LLP, we are committed to the success of our employees. We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision health plans
  • Medical savings accounts
  • Firm-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Wellness Program, and Caregiving Support Concierge Services
  • Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D
  • Short- and long-term disability benefits
  • Generous paid time off for holidays, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, and paid leave for sick and safe time, parental, and military
  • Excellent work-life programs, including service bonuses, back-up child, elder, and pet care, and an employee discount program

The salary range for this role is $92,000 - $116,000. The salary range for this position is based on a variety of factors, including experience, skills, qualifications, and location. The range is provided as an initial approximation at the time of posting and may vary based on the individual's unique qualifications and experience.

#LI-Hybrid


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.