ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Patent Agent Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Husch Blackwell Llp

Patent Agent

Washington, DC · Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Our Intellectual ...

Direct Counsel

Patent Agent Life Sciences

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$130K - $170K/yr

Patent Agent - Life Sciences Locations Boca Raton, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Greenwich, Connecticut; Hartford, Connecticut; Miami, Florida; New Haven, Connecticut; New Jersey; New York, New ...

Apply Early

BakerHostetler

Patent Agent

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Baker Hostetler is looking for a Computer Science/Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Patent Agent to join our firm. This is a unique opportunity to work in our AmLaw 100 firm and support ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatent Agent JobsPatent Agent Jobs in Reston, VA

Patent Agent information

See Reston, VA salary details

$59.4K

$120.3K

$176.1K

How much do patent agent jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent agent in Reston, VA is $120,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,200.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 Patent Bar Exam administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A strong understanding of patent law and technical writing skills are also important for success in the role.

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 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.

Is it hard to be a patent agent?

Becoming a patent agent requires passing the Patent Bar exam and having a background in science or engineering, which can be challenging due to the technical and legal knowledge needed. The role involves understanding patent law, preparing patent applications, and working with patent examiners, often requiring strong analytical skills and attention to detail. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and preparation efforts.

Are patent agents in demand?

Patent agents are in demand due to the ongoing need for intellectual property protection across various industries, especially in technology and pharmaceuticals. Their expertise in patent law and technical knowledge makes them valuable, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as innovation continues to expand globally.

What can I do as a patent agent?

A patent agent is qualified to prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the patent office, helping inventors protect their intellectual property. They typically have technical expertise in a specific field and pass the patent bar exam. Patent agents do not have the authority to represent clients in court or provide legal opinions on patent validity or infringement.

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.
More about Patent Agent jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA? For Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Agent jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Patent Agent jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Patent Agent job openings:
Patent Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Agent job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,332 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Patent Agent

Patent Agent

Husch Blackwell Llp

Washington, DC • Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have an immediate opening for a Patent Agent with three or more (preferably 6+) years of experience. We will consider candidates for any of our offices including our virtual office, The Link.

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Our Intellectual Property litigation and transactional practices are significantly expanding throughout the country. The patent prosecution team is presently 35+ attorneys, 10 patent agents & engineers, and 15+ paralegals. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The program manager focuses on the professional development of patents agents and engineers and assists with workload management.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

  • Prosecuting patent applications, including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
  • Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
  • Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
  • Staying up to date on developments in U.S. patent law and relevant technologies.
  • Meet a billable hour requirement of 1500 - 1700 hours per year.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required. 
  • Three or more years (preferably 6+) of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm environment.
  • Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
  • Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Registered as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Artificial Intelligence or Quantum Computing experience a plus. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

Compensation and Benefits

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The full time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $100,000– $170,000. Salary will vary depending on market data. Bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter, transcript and resume when applying.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.
Principal Applicants Only.

#LI-Remote
#LI-CP1

Apply