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Patent Prosecution Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Addison Group

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Patent Prosecution Paralegal Location: Dallas, TX Work Schedule: M - F, 8:30 - 5:30 Type of Employment: Direct Hire Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000 / Annually Industry: Legal Benefits: This position ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$41.85 - $56.62/hr

In this role, the Patent Prosecution Specialist manages client portfolios on behalf of the assigned clients, including filings, correspondence, and docket management.It is the job of the Patent ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$41.85 - $56.62/hr

In this role, the Patent Prosecution Specialist manages client portfolios on behalf of the assigned clients, including filings, correspondence, and docket management.It is the job of the Patent ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$41.85 - $56.62/hr

In this role, the Patent Prosecution Specialist manages client portfolios on behalf of the assigned clients, including filings, correspondence, and docket management.It is the job of the Patent ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$41.85 - $56.62/hr

In this role, the Patent Prosecution Specialist manages client portfolios on behalf of the assigned clients, including filings, correspondence, and docket management.It is the job of the Patent ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$41.85 - $56.62/hr

In this role, the Patent Prosecution Specialist manages client portfolios on behalf of the assigned clients, including filings, correspondence, and docket management.It is the job of the Patent ...

LHH US

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Chicago, IL

$80K - $110K/yr

LHH Recruitment Solutions is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Patent Prosecution Paralegal for a confidential client. This role is ideal for a proactive individual with a strong ...

LHH US

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Chicago, IL

$80K - $110K/yr

LHH Recruitment Solutions is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Patent Prosecution Paralegal for a confidential client. This role is ideal for a proactive individual with a strong ...

NxT Level

Patent Prosecution Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Our client's Patent Group is renowned for its excellence, having been named Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property (2023 & 2022), ranked Tier 1 in California by ...

NxT Level

Patent Prosecution Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Our client's Patent Group is renowned for its excellence, having been named Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property (2023 & 2022), ranked Tier 1 in California by ...

NxT Level

Patent Prosecution Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Our client's Patent Group is renowned for its excellence, having been named Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property (2023 & 2022), ranked Tier 1 in California by ...

NxT Level

Patent Prosecution Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$235K - $390K/yr

Our client's Patent Group is renowned for its excellence, having been named Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year by Managing Intellectual Property (2023 & 2022), ranked Tier 1 in California by ...

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Patent Prosecution information

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$43.5K

$112.7K

$271K

How much do patent prosecution jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent prosecution in the United States is $112,725.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a patent prosecutor do?

A patent prosecutor is a legal professional who prepares, files, and prosecutes patent applications with patent offices. They work closely with inventors to draft patent claims, respond to office actions, and ensure the patent's approval while maintaining compliance with patent laws and regulations.

What is patent prosecution?

Patent prosecution is the process of interacting with a patent office to obtain patents and protect inventions. It involves preparing, filing, and negotiating patent applications, responding to office actions, and ensuring that an invention meets all legal requirements for patentability. Patent prosecution does not refer to legal action against infringement, but rather to the administrative process of securing a patent. Professionals working in this area, such as patent attorneys and agents, help inventors navigate complex regulations and communicate with patent examiners. Their goal is to maximize the likelihood of a patent being granted while protecting the intellectual property rights of their clients.

How much do patent prosecutors make?

Patent prosecutors typically earn between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the firm. Senior patent prosecutors with specialized technical backgrounds and strong legal skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $200,000 with bonuses and benefits.

How to become a patent prosecutor?

To become a patent prosecutor, one typically needs a scientific or technical degree, such as in engineering or biology, and must pass the Patent Bar Exam to become a registered patent agent or attorney. Many patent prosecutors also hold a law degree and have experience in patent prosecution, which involves preparing and filing patent applications and communicating with patent offices. Strong knowledge of patent law, technical expertise, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

Is patent prosecution lucrative?

Patent prosecution can be financially rewarding, especially for experienced patent attorneys and agents who handle complex intellectual property cases. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and firm size, with specialized knowledge of patent law and technical fields often leading to higher compensation.

What is the difference between Patent Prosecution vs Patent Litigation?

AspectPatent ProsecutionPatent Litigation
Primary FocusSecuring patent rights through application processEnforcing or defending patent rights in court
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, law firms, corporate legal departmentsCourts, legal proceedings, courtroom settings
Required CredentialsPatent bar, technical degree, law degree often preferredLaw degree, bar admission, technical background helpful
Industry UsageCommon in patent law firms, R&D companiesCommon in law firms, corporate legal teams, courts

Patent prosecution involves preparing and filing patent applications to secure patent rights, focusing on the application process. Patent litigation, on the other hand, involves legal disputes over patent infringement or validity in court. Both roles require legal expertise and technical knowledge, but they serve different stages of patent law and involve distinct work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in patent prosecution, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in patent prosecution often face challenges such as navigating complex and evolving patent laws, managing tight deadlines for filings, and communicating technical concepts clearly to both clients and patent examiners. Additionally, balancing multiple cases simultaneously while ensuring high-quality work can be demanding. These challenges can be managed by staying up-to-date with legal changes through continuous education, developing strong organizational and time-management skills, and fostering clear communication with inventors, colleagues, and examiners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Patent Prosecution, and why are they important?

To thrive in Patent Prosecution, you need a solid understanding of intellectual property law, strong analytical skills, and typically a degree in science or engineering along with admission to a bar, such as the USPTO. Familiarity with patent management systems, legal research tools, and document drafting software is essential. Exceptional written communication, attention to detail, and client management abilities help professionals stand out in this field. These competencies are crucial for effectively securing intellectual property rights and ensuring clients' inventions are well-protected in a competitive market.
More about Patent Prosecution jobs
What cities are hiring for Patent Prosecution jobs? Cities with the most Patent Prosecution job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Prosecution jobs? The most popular types of Patent Prosecution jobs are:
What states have the most Patent Prosecution jobs? States with the most job openings for Patent Prosecution jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Patent Prosecution jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Prosecution jobs are:
Patent Prosecution jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Prosecution job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,725 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

San Diego, CA • On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

San Diego, California
Job Description
Pillsbury is seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Paralegal to join our Intellectual Property team. This position will provide comprehensive support for U.S. and international patent prosecution matters, working closely with attorneys, patent professionals, clients, and foreign associates throughout all stages of the patent prosecution process. The ideal candidate will bring strong knowledge of USPTO procedures, experience with U.S., PCT, and foreign patent filings, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex dockets and competing deadlines with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized and proactive paralegal who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is committed to delivering outstanding client service and high-quality work.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Prepare and file U.S. patent applications, including utility, continuation, divisional, reissue, and related applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Prepare and file international (PCT) patent applications, direct foreign applications, and related follow-on documents.
  • Prepare and file prosecution documents with the USPTO, PCT authorities, and foreign patent offices.
  • Review, process, and report patent office communications, including filing receipts, publication notices, notices of recordation, issue notifications, notices of allowance, patent grants, and other official correspondence.
  • Prepare and file patent-related formalities documents, including declarations, substitute statements, assignments, information disclosure statements (IDS), issue fee payments, and responses to formalities requirements.
  • Prepare and file PCT-related documents, including Article 19 amendments, Chapter II demands, Article 34 amendments, and responses to invitations and notifications.
  • Monitor and maintain client-specific dockets and ensure timely completion of all filing and prosecution deadlines.
  • Maintain working knowledge of USPTO, PCT, and foreign jurisdiction requirements, including formal documents, priority documents, legalization requirements, translations, and deadline calculations.
  • Communicate directly with clients and foreign associates regarding filings, formal documents, deadlines, and prosecution matters.
  • Keep attorneys and patent professionals informed regarding the status of patent applications and prosecution activities.
  • Research patent-related and client-specific inquiries.
  • Compile information, perform research, and prepare reports as requested by attorneys and patent agents.
  • Maintain and update electronic records, databases, docketing systems, iManage, client extranets, and related systems.
  • Retrieve, organize, and manage patent-related documentation and correspondence.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 3+ years of patent prosecution experience in a law firm or comparable professional services environment.
  • Experience supporting U.S., PCT, and/or foreign patent prosecution matters.
  • College degree or equivalent paralegal experience required; paralegal certificate preferred.
  • Thorough knowledge of USPTO rules, procedures, and electronic filing systems.
  • Working knowledge of PCT procedures and foreign patent prosecution practices preferred.
  • Ability to meet the Firm's billable hour requirements while maintaining exceptional client service and high-quality work product.
  • Excellent organizational, data management, and attention-to-detail skills.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Sound judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness in accomplishing objectives.

The expected salary range for this position is $105k-145k. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skill set, and geographic location. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please contact us at PillsburyWorkday@pillsburylaw.com.

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