ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Patent Prosecution Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Patent Prosecution

Irvine, CA · On-site

$69.03 - $79.93/hr

We are looking for a Patent Prosecution specialist to join a respected legal team in California on a Contract to Permanent basis. This opportunity is well suited for an attorney with a strong blend ...

LHH US

Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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

Detroit, MI

$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 · On-site

$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

Detroit, MI · On-site

$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

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

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 ...

LHH US

Patent Prosecution Paralegal - TX

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$80/hr

Patent Prosecution Paralegal Texas - Flexible Location (Hybrid Dallas | Fully Remote in Austin or Houston) Full-Time LHH is partnering with a highly regarded law firm to identify a Patent Prosecution ...

Wsgr

Patent Prosecution Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$37.49 - $50.72/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

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$37.49 - $50.72/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 · On-site +1

$37.49 - $50.72/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatent Prosecution Jobs

Patent Prosecution information

See salary details

$43.5K

$112.7K

$271K

How much do patent prosecution jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,725 per year, or $54.2 per hour.
Patent Prosecution

Patent Prosecution

Robert Half

Irvine, CA • On-site

$69.03 - $79.93/hr

Temporary

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Patent Prosecution specialist to join a respected legal team in California on a Contract to Permanent basis. This opportunity is well suited for an attorney with a strong blend of technical knowledge and legal experience who can manage patent matters in a dynamic, client-focused environment. The role offers exposure to sophisticated intellectual property work, close collaboration with clients, and meaningful opportunities for long-term growth.
Responsibilities:
• Prepare and advance patent applications through the U.S. patent process with accuracy and strategic attention to detail.
• Draft thoughtful responses to patent office communications and oversee ongoing correspondence related to prosecution matters.
• Partner directly with clients to shape patent filing strategies and support the development of their intellectual property portfolios.
• Evaluate technical concepts and invention disclosures to determine appropriate filing approaches and supporting documentation.
• Manage multiple prosecution matters at once while maintaining deadlines and delivering high-quality legal work in a fast-paced setting.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure filings, communications, and prosecution activities move forward efficiently.• At least 3 years of experience handling patent prosecution matters in a legal practice environment.
• Active registration as a U.S. Patent Attorney is required.
• Academic background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Proficiency in Chinese is required for this position.
• Strong legal writing, analytical thinking, and client-facing communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-moving practice while managing competing priorities.
• Licensed attorney status is required.
Robert Half logo

About Robert Half

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1948, Robert Half pioneered the idea of professional talent solutions to connect opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. As business needs changed, we evolved to offer specialized talent solutions for finance and accounting, technology, administrative and customer support, creative and marketing, and legal fields. In 2002, we introduced our subsidiary, Protiviti, a global independent risk consulting and internal audit service, to support companies as they faced more strategic business challenges.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1948

View All Robert Half Jobs