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Patent Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Durham, NC · Hybrid

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 ...

Leader Communications Inc

Quality Analyst

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Partner with patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals to resolve discrepancies and streamline the submission lifecycle. * Monitor key quality KPIs, identify error trends, and execute corrective ...

Leader Communications Inc

Quality Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Partner with patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals to resolve discrepancies and streamline the submission lifecycle. * Monitor key quality KPIs, identify error trends, and execute corrective ...

Vanguard-IP

Patent Agent #21136 Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

SUMMARY Vanguard Intellectual Partners (Vanguard-IP) specializes in the placement of IP/Patent professionals nationwide. Our sole focus on intellectual property enables us to more deeply understand ...

Vanguard-IP

Patent Agent #21136 Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

SUMMARY Vanguard Intellectual Partners (Vanguard-IP) specializes in the placement of IP/Patent professionals nationwide. Our sole focus on intellectual property enables us to more deeply understand ...

Vanguard-IP

Patent Agent #21136 Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

SUMMARY Vanguard Intellectual Partners (Vanguard-IP) specializes in the placement of IP/Patent professionals nationwide. Our sole focus on intellectual property enables us to more deeply understand ...

Marshall & Taylor, PLLC

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC

$89K/yr

Our law firm is looking for the next associate attorney to assist in providing legal counsel to clients. You will work closely with our senior partners and associates, conduct legal research, draft ...

Town of Apex North Carolina

Town Attorney

Apex, NC · On-site

The Town Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Mayor, Town Council, Town Manager, and Town departments, as well as various boards and commissions. This position plays a critical role in ...

RAGSDALE & LIGGETT PLLC

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, a litigation firm specializing in insurance defense and business, seeks an Associate Attorney with at least 5 years of experience to join its litigation team. The preferred ...

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K/yr

The Attorney will develop relationships with clients as they establish legal needs, provide counsel, help them understand their legal options, and represent them in court and negotiations. You will ...

McIlveen Family Law Firm

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Attorney will develop relationships with clients as they establish legal needs, provide counsel, help them understand their legal options, and represent them in court and negotiations. You will ...

RAGSDALE & LIGGETT PLLC

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, a litigation firm specializing in insurance defense and business, seeks an Associate Attorney with at least 5 years of experience to join its litigation team. The preferred ...

RAGSDALE & LIGGETT PLLC

Associate Attorney

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Training & development Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, a litigation firm specializing in insurance defense and business, seeks an Associate Attorney with at least 5 years of experience to join its litigation ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPatent Attorney JobsPatent Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Patent Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$65.1K

$145.3K

$252.3K

How much do patent attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent attorney in Raleigh, NC is $145,265.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $170,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent attorney?

As a patent attorney, you work with clients to protect their inventions and intellectual property, ensuring that they have exclusive rights to it for a period. You may be asked to file patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) to protect your client’s right to market and manufacture a product. You may also appear in court to settle disputes over patents and protect your client’s rights and profits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent attorney?

To thrive as a Patent Attorney, you need a robust understanding of intellectual property law, a degree in science or engineering, and admission to both a state bar and the patent bar (USPTO). Familiarity with patent databases, legal research platforms like LexisNexis, and document management systems is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualifications are critical for effectively protecting clients' inventions, navigating complex legal processes, and ensuring successful patent prosecution and litigation.

What challenges does a patent attorney face when managing a diverse portfolio of clients?

Patent Attorneys often work with clients from a wide range of industries, each presenting unique technical and legal complexities. Managing a diverse portfolio requires staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies, understanding varied patent laws across jurisdictions, and effectively communicating with inventors and technical teams. Additionally, balancing multiple deadlines and prioritizing filings to protect clients' intellectual property can be demanding. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are crucial to ensure all client needs are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Patent Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, patent law specializationPatent bar exam, technical degree, patent law knowledge
Work EnvironmentLegal firms, corporate legal departments, law courtsPatent offices, law firms, corporate R&D departments
Employer & IndustryLegal industry, patent law firms, corporationsPatent offices, law firms, tech companies

Patent attorneys and patent agents both handle patent applications and intellectual property issues, but patent attorneys are licensed lawyers with law degrees and can represent clients in court. Patent agents are registered with the patent office and focus on patent prosecution. The choice depends on whether legal representation in court is needed or solely patent filing and prosecution services are required.

Are patent attorneys highly paid?

Patent attorneys typically earn higher salaries compared to many other legal professionals due to their specialized technical knowledge and the demand for intellectual property expertise. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but they often include bonuses and benefits reflecting their advanced skills and certification requirements such as passing the patent bar exam.

Is it hard being a patent attorney?

Being a patent attorney can be challenging due to the technical knowledge required, the need to pass the patent bar exam, and the detailed legal work involved in patent prosecution and litigation. The role often demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex cases under tight deadlines.
More about Patent Attorney jobs

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The most popular types of Patent Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

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For Patent Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Patent Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Patent Attorney jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Patent Attorney job openings:

Patent Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $145,265 per year, or $69.8 per hour.

Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP

Durham, NC • Hybrid

Full-time

PTO

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

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.


  • 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.

  • 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.

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