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Patent Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Relay

Associate QA Engineer

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

We recently secured our 100th patent. You'll work with technologies spanning AI-driven noise ... We are hiring an Associate QA Engineer to join our innovative engineering team. This role is scoped ...

NexaMotion Group

Branch Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, and through patent-winning software and technology, we are ... The associate is occasionally required to use hands to finger, grasp, handle or feel; climb ...

Apply Early

Leader Communications Inc

Customer Service Agents

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These roles are critical in maintaining Tier I and Tier II ... Associate degree or higher in information technology or related field; or high school diploma and ...

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Bowman

Lead Title Reviewer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$33.63 - $42.04/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field ... Must have experience in full cycle chain of title back to patent. * Demonstrated experience ...

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All JobsPatent Associate JobsPatent Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Patent Associate information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$71.9K

$148.4K

$291.6K

How much do patent associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent associate in Raleigh, NC is $148,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,400.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Patent Associate?

A Patent Associate is a legal professional, often with a technical or scientific background, who assists in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. They work under the supervision of patent attorneys or agents and help clients secure protection for their inventions. Patent Associates conduct prior art searches, draft patent specifications, respond to office actions from patent offices, and may provide technical expertise in patent litigation or portfolio management. Their role is critical in ensuring that inventions are properly described and legally protected according to intellectual property laws.

What is the role of a patent associate?

A patent associate assists in preparing, drafting, and prosecuting patent applications to protect intellectual property rights. They often work closely with patent attorneys, conduct patent searches, and have a background in science or engineering, along with knowledge of patent law and patent office procedures.

How to become a patent associate?

To become a patent associate, candidates typically need a scientific or technical degree, such as in engineering or life sciences, and must pass the Patent Bar Exam to practice before the patent office. Many employers also value experience in patent prosecution, drafting, or related legal work, often requiring a law degree or technical background combined with legal training.

How much money does a patent clerk make?

A patent associate's salary varies by experience and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced patent attorneys or agents can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized technical knowledge and patent prosecution skills.

What is the difference between Patent Associate vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent AssociatePatent Agent
Required CredentialsLaw degree, Patent Bar exam, technical backgroundTechnical degree, Patent Bar exam, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent law firmsPatent law firms, corporate legal departments, patent agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals, law firms, corporationsPatent law firms, patent agencies, corporations

Patent Associates typically hold a law degree and pass the Patent Bar exam, working in legal settings to draft and prosecute patents. Patent Agents usually have a technical degree and pass the Patent Bar but do not hold a law degree, focusing on patent prosecution in law firms or patent agencies. Both roles require passing the Patent Bar and work closely with patent applications, but Patent Associates often have broader legal responsibilities.

Will patent agents be replaced by AI?

Patent associates and agents perform tasks such as patent drafting, prosecution, and legal analysis that require specialized knowledge and judgment. While AI tools can assist with prior art searches and document review, they are unlikely to fully replace the expertise and nuanced decision-making skills of patent professionals in the near future.

What are some common challenges Patent Associates face when working with inventors and research teams?

Patent Associates often encounter challenges in translating complex technical concepts from inventors and research teams into clear, legally robust patent applications. Effective communication is key, as they must bridge the gap between technical experts and legal requirements, ensuring all inventive aspects are accurately captured and protected. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and balancing multiple projects simultaneously is common, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Collaboration with inventors, attorneys, and sometimes clients is frequent, making teamwork and adaptability essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Patent Associate, you need a solid understanding of patent law, technical expertise in a scientific or engineering discipline, and a relevant degree—often paired with passing the patent bar exam. Familiarity with patent filing systems, prior art search databases, and docketing software is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, written communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for drafting and prosecuting patent applications. These capabilities ensure accurate, high-quality patent submissions and effective protection of clients' intellectual property.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Patent jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Patent Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Patent Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patent Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Associate jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Patent Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Patent Associate job openings:
Patent Associate jobs near you
Associate QA Engineer

Associate QA Engineer

Relay

Raleigh, NC • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Relay is the Intelligent System of Action for the physical economy. While the digital revolution has often left the deskless workforce behind, we are closing that gap by transforming analog frontline operations into a data-rich, AI-powered ecosystem. We aren't just selling radios, we're building the digital foundation for the 80% of the global workforce that doesn't work at a desk.

Why Join Relay?

  • A Proven Winner: Join a hyper-growth company trusted by over 10% of the Fortune 500, continuing to move upmarket with massive impact.
  • Work at the Edge of Innovation: We recently secured our 100th patent. You'll work with technologies spanning AI-driven noise suppression, real-time language translation, and advanced IoT connectivity.
  • Market-Leading Innovation: The Relay platform captures 1 billion new data points weekly and features award-winning AI tools like TeamTranslate, with 500% YoY growth.
  • World-Class Leadership: Our stellar leadership team is built to help us scale toward our next major milestones.
  • The Relay Culture: We're dedicated to helping you do the best work of your life (BWIML), investing in your growth through L.I.T., living our CHASE values, and learning from incredibly talented, supportive teammates who make the work (and the wins) better every day.

Now, here's what we're building, and where you come in. We are hiring an Associate QA Engineer to join our innovative engineering team. This role is scoped and ideal for a recent college graduate with a Bachelor's degree and foundation in Computer Science or Computer Engineering who wants to join an A+ player team of product builders.

This role is based in our Raleigh, North Carolina HQ, and we work in a hybrid model with 3 days (M/W/F) in the office. At this time, Relay is unable to provide sponsorship for employment. To be considered for employment, applicants must be currently legally authorized to work in the US and not require future sponsorship to continue working for Relay.

What you will do:

  • Verify new and existing features in the Relay App and Relay Dashboard Web interface
  • Assist in end-to-end testing with Relay Device and server-side components
  • Demonstrated experience authoring test cases and writing acceptance tests for developed features
  • Participate in Sprint planning and design sessions
  • Work with the project team to understand requirements for new projects
  • Ability to perform in-depth analysis, including log examination and querying data
  • Ability to prioritize test cases to provide the best test coverage
  • Works well cross-functionally in a small, dynamic team
  • Effectively analyze, communicate and confirm the resolution of defects
  • Document test methodologies, tools, and results

Knowledge, skills, and experience needed:

  • Bachelor's degree in Comp Science or Comp Engineering with a GPA of 3.2 or above
  • Analytical approach to problem-solving
  • Understand Agile concepts and QA process (Functional test/regression/Smoke test/etc)
  • Familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and device logging tools
  • Proactive communicator - you should be able to communicate effectively with developers and the QA team to understand a feature/defect, and evaluate and communicate testing status 
  • Ability to multitask and find the next priority item to work on
  • Extremely comfortable using Linux (managing files, grep, cat, bash, vim, etc)
  • Ability to develop and debug automated test scripts
  • Python or other coding experience a plus
  • Hungry to learn and grow
  • 0-2 years Testing experience with Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, Networking, or similar

About Relay | Culture, Benefits & Perks

Our culture hinges on Relayers getting LIT up in an environment that fosters Learning, Impact, and Teamwork, where we CHASE the best work of our lives. We call this BWIML (Best Work In My Life).

At Relay, we offer:

  • 100% Paid Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Long/Short Term Disability, and Life Insurance for you and your dependents
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • 401(k) Savings Plan + Company Match
  • Baby Cash Reward + Paid Parental Leave
  • Wellness Perks: If you're joining our Raleigh-based HQ, you'll have access to a world-class onsite fitness center with instructor-led classes, plus tennis, basketball, pickleball, and cycling
  • Team Events & Culture: From company celebrations to team outings, we work hard and have fun doing it.
  • Latest tech, standing desks, and all the tools and software you need to thrive

The future of frontline work is being built here. Come build it with us. We can't wait to hear from you.

Apply