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Patent Prosecution Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

ROCS

Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant

Herndon, VA · On-site

Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant to support a busy Intellectual Property practice. The ideal candidate will have 4-6 years of patent prosecution ...

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$43.5K

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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 Assistant (hybrid)

Merchant and Gould PC

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About the job
Merchant & Gould has been a leader in intellectual property law for more than 100 years. We are recognized as one of the most active filers of patents in the country, and are consistently rated among the top patent, copyright and trademark firms. We currently have an opportunity for a patent prosecution assistant. The salary range for the position is $35,000-$45,000, based years of experience.
Summary of Position (hybrid):
The Patent Prosecution Assistant plays a key role in supporting the firm's IDS segment, a resource responsible for managing complex IP matters and ensuring the accurate preparation and filing of Information Disclosure Statements (IDS). This role focuses on maintaining accurate IDS records and assisting with USPTO submissions. In addition, the assistant provides support in general patent prosecution.
IDS Specialist Duties:
  • Prepare and file IDS forms and ensure correct formatting of references in compliance with USPTO rules. Track and compile prior art references (patents, patent applications, and non-patent literature) cited in related cases across U.S. and foreign patent families.
  • Maintain and update IDS reference databases or tracking sheets to ensure accurate recordkeeping.
  • Coordinate with legal assistants and attorneys to verify citation accuracy and relevance before submission.
  • Assist with uploading and submitting IDS documents via USPTO EFS-Web or Patent Center.
  • Fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards to include, but not limited to: attorney client correspondence and communications.
  • Assist with special tasks or duties as requested by manager.
  • Adhere to internal timetable for handling and clearing the department docket.
  • Prepare, review and edit billing invoices
  • Save all communications in the appropriate document management system.
  • Assist with management of IDS inbox for large clients.
  • Forwarding IDS Instructions to outside vendor.
  • Serve as a mediator with outside vendor.
  • Address time-sensitive IDS action items.
  • Monitor docket for an urgent IDS deadline for the matter

General Patent Prosecution Support:
  • Assist legal assistants with the preparation and review of routine U.S. and foreign filing documents and correspondence.
  • Organize and maintain files in accordance with firm and client guidelines.
  • Retrieve documents and filings from the USPTO, WIPO, EPO, and other patent authority databases.
  • Track key deadlines and coordinate with legal assistants to ensure timely filing and compliance.
  • Help prepare materials for client reporting, billing entries, and internal audits.
  • Support special projects and general administrative needs within the patent prosecution group.

Other Requirements:
  • Additional responsibilities within the Drafting Department as a Patent Illustrator (Drafter) may be assigned based on workload and priorities determined by manager.
  • Creates patent drawings from sketches, instructions, or CAD files which are to scale and easy to interpret. Drawings must meet the Patent Office specifications.
  • Communicate with attorneys and staff to determine client needs and application deadlines.

Skills and Abilities Required:
  • 1-2 years of administrative experience in a legal or IP-related role.
  • Familiarity with USPTO forms, filing procedures, and IDS requirements strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with IP management systems.
  • Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Willingness to learn new skills/software as needed.
  • Position may require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential functions of the position.
  • Regular attendance at work.

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including: a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, and ten firm holidays.
To be considered, please apply online at Career Opportunities (merchantgould.com). You will need to provide a resume and professional references.
Merchant & Gould provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 1-612-332-5300.

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