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Patent Search Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digilock

Patent Agent

Houston, TX · On-site

Conduct and review patent searches using relevant patent search tools and databases and prepare patentability, freedom to operate, and invalidity analyses. * Advise on US and international trademark ...

New

Serco USA

Patent Classifier I Telecom

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

Learn patent classification, search, and examination processes. * Apply knowledge of classification processes to assign U.S. Patent Classification (USPC) and Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC ...

Rite-Hite

Patent Agent

Concord, NC · On-site

Conduct and/or direct patent search and analysis efforts related to freedom-to-operate, patentability, partnerships, and competitive intelligence * Partner with outside counsel in preparing and ...

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$60K

$122.7K

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How much do patent search jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent search in the United States is $122,735.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $152,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent search?

A patent search is a comprehensive review of existing patents and published patent applications to determine whether an invention or idea is novel and non-obvious. This process helps inventors and companies identify prior art that may affect the patentability of their invention. Conducting a patent search can also prevent potential infringement issues and provide valuable insights into competitors' activities. Professional patent searches are often conducted before filing a patent application to increase the likelihood of approval.

What are patent search jobs?

Patent search jobs are positions in which you determine the existence of intellectual property rights before investing in the creation of a similar product. Although it’s an involved process, it is essential to avoid legal issues down the road. A patent application on file is public information and searchable on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website. Your duties start with searching on this site, and your other responsibilities include investigating trademarks linked to related items. You compile your results and submit a report on your findings. Most patent search jobs are with law firms that deal with intellectual property.

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

To thrive as a Patent Searcher, you need a solid understanding of intellectual property law, technical expertise in a relevant field (such as engineering or science), and experience with patent databases. Familiarity with tools like PatBase, Espacenet, and the USPTO database, along with certifications such as Certified Patent Searcher, are often required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills help you interpret complex technical documents and present clear findings. These skills ensure accurate, comprehensive searches that help clients avoid infringement and support successful patent applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in patent search roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in patent search roles is efficiently navigating vast and complex patent databases to identify relevant prior art, while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness. Patent searchers must stay updated on evolving technologies and classification systems, which can require continuous learning. Collaboration with inventors, patent attorneys, and R&D teams is often necessary to clarify technical concepts and search objectives. To address these challenges, professionals often rely on advanced search tools, ongoing training, and clear communication with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and precise results.

What is the difference between Patent Search vs Patent Examiner?

AspectPatent SearchPatent Examiner
Required CredentialsTypically requires a background in law, engineering, or science; strong research skillsRequires a law degree or technical background; familiarity with patent laws and examination procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often independent or in teams, performed in offices or remotelyGovernment agency setting, reviewing patent applications, collaborating with inventors and attorneys
Industry UsageUsed by law firms, patent offices, R&D departments for prior art searchesEmployed by patent offices like USPTO, EPO for patent examination and approval

While both roles involve understanding patents, Patent Search focuses on researching existing patents and prior art, whereas Patent Examiners evaluate patent applications for approval. Both require strong research skills and knowledge of patent laws, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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Patent Search jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Search job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,735 per year, or $59 per hour.

Patent Agent

Houston, TX • On-site

Digilock
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Digilockexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

We are seeking an on-site registered Patent Agent to support the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for Digilock’s innovative mechanical, electronic, and software technologies. The Patent Agent will work closely with Digilock’s inventors, engineers, and our internal legal team to understand technical concepts, develop strong patent applications, and support intellectual property strategies.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, hands-on experience in patent preparation and prosecution, and a demonstrated interest in intellectual property in technology or engineering environments. This position resides in the legal department and reports directly to the General Counsel.

Key Responsibilities
  • Oversee international family of utility patents, design patents, and trademarks.
  • Draft patent applications, claims, specifications, amendments, and responses to USPTO and foreign office actions.
  • Work directly with inventors and engineers to understand technical concepts and identify patentable innovations.
  • Support patent strategy and intellectual property protection for mechanical and electronic technologies and advise on competitive landscape.
  • Conduct and review patent searches using relevant patent search tools and databases and prepare patentability, freedom to operate, and invalidity analyses.
  • Advise on US and international trademark clearance, filing, and prosecution
  • Assist with other duties within the legal department as needed and time permitting.
  • Stay current on USPTO procedures, patent laws, regulations, and industry developments.
  • Help maintain and strengthen the organization's intellectual property portfolio.
Required Qualifications
  • Active registration as a Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
  • 3–5 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
  • Experience working with intellectual property within a technology, engineering, manufacturing, or similar technical environment.
  • Experience drafting and prosecuting patents involving mechanical or electronic inventions.
  • Familiarity with patent search tools, databases, and prior-art research.
  • Strong understanding of U.S. patent laws, USPTO rules, and patent prosecution procedures.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with inventors, engineers, and legal professionals.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting an in-house intellectual property or engineering organization.
  • Experience with patent portfolios involving both mechanical and electronic technologies.
  • Experience evaluating invention disclosures and identifying opportunities for patent protection.
Location
  • 100% on-site in Houston, Texas
Who We Are

At Digilock, we’re at the forefront of innovation, design, and manufacturing in personal security solutions. By using best-in-class materials and providing exceptional service, we ensure our customers and their clients have peace of mind, knowing their most important items are secure.

For over 45 years, we’ve committed to merging technological innovation with unparalleled customer service, offering the finest secure personal storage solutions available. As a growing company, we understand that change is constant, and we embrace it with enthusiasm. This passion for innovation drives us and propels our company forward.

We provide a competitive salary and benefits package. Highlights of our current benefits package include Medical, Dental/Vision, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401K Match up to 4%, AFLAC, Wellness Program Reimbursement, PTO, and a generous holiday schedule with pay. We provide food and snacks throughout the week in our fully stocked kitchens/breakrooms and have company outings.

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About Digilock

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Petaluma, CA, US

Year founded

1981

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