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Patent Search Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Personnel

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Familiarity with patent databases, search tools, and patent portfolio management * Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, inventors, and cross-functional teams Education: * M.S. or Ph.D ...

Diamond Personnel

Patent Agent

Alameda, CA · On-site

Familiarity with patent databases, search tools, and patent portfolio management * Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, inventors, and cross-functional teams Education: * M.S. or Ph.D ...

Diamond Personnel

Patent Agent

Sonoma, CA · On-site

Familiarity with patent databases, search tools, and patent portfolio management * Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, inventors, and cross-functional teams Education: * M.S. or Ph.D ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA

$140K - $240K/yr

EE/CS Patent Agent - SF/Other Locations Join a Top Intellectual Property Law Firm Group: A leading ... This opportunity is presented by MNF Global legal search firm , a trusted legal search firm ...

Marina Sirras & Associates LLC

Patent Agent

Boston, MA · On-site

Patent Agent/Technology Specialist - Chemistry or Biology - Boston Our client is a major Am law 100 ... We are a proud member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC) and strictly ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $240K/yr

EE/CS Patent Agent - LA/Other Locations Join a Top Intellectual Property Law Firm Group: A leading ... This opportunity is presented by MNF Global legal search firm , a trusted legal search firm ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

Atlanta, GA

$140K - $240K/yr

EE/CS Patent Agent - ATL/Other Locations Join a Top Intellectual Property Law Firm Group: A leading ... This opportunity is presented by MNF Global legal search firm , a trusted legal search firm ...

Stoke Therapeutics

Patent Agent

Bedford, MA · Hybrid

Review and analyze prior art, office actions, search reports, written opinions, and examination reports. * Maintain and update patent docket records, portfolio records, invention disclosure records ...

Banner Witcoff

Patent Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$80K - $130K/yr

Patent Engineer Banner Witcoff is a leader in intellectual property law for more than 100 years. We ... Instructions to Recruiting Agencies and Search Firms Banner Witcoff will not accept unsolicited ...

Stoke Therapeutics

Patent Agent

Bedford, MA · On-site

Review and analyze prior art, office actions, search reports, written opinions, and examination reports. * Maintain and update patent docket records, portfolio records, invention disclosure records ...

Banner Witcoff

Patent Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Patent Engineer Banner Witcoff is a leader in intellectual property law for more than 100 years. We ... Instructions to Recruiting Agencies and Search Firms Banner Witcoff will not accept unsolicited ...

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$60K

$122.7K

$153.5K

How much do patent search jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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 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.

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.
More about Patent Search jobs
What cities are hiring for Patent Search jobs? Cities with the most Patent Search job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Search jobs? The most popular types of Patent Search jobs are:
What states have the most Patent Search jobs? States with the most job openings for Patent Search jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Patent Search jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Search jobs are:
Patent Search jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Search job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,735 per year, or $59 per hour.
Patent Agent

Patent Agent

Diamond Personnel

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney with 5+ years of biotechnology patent prosecution experience gained at a law firm. This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the biotechnology space, with an emphasis on in vitro diagnostic assays.

Ideal Experience:

  • At least 5 years of patent preparation and prosecution in biotechnology
  • Significant experience drafting patent applications related to:
  • In vitro diagnostic assays
  • Immunoassays
  • CRISPR-based assays
  • Nucleic acid sequencing and quantification
  • Related probes, kits, and reagents
  • Experience with computational biology is a plus
  • Familiarity with patent databases, search tools, and patent portfolio management
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, inventors, and cross-functional teams

Education:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline preferred
  • Candidates with a B.S. in a relevant field plus 5+ years of post-graduate laboratory or industry experience will also be considered

Requirements:

  • Patent Agents: Active USPTO registration (Patent Bar) required
  • Patent Attorneys: Active Patent Bar registration plus admission to the California or New York Bar (based on office location)
  • Strong academic credentials
  • Stable employment history (no job hopping)
  • Law school transcripts (or applicable academic transcripts) and a writing sample required

Additional Details:

  • Hybrid Schedule: 3 days in office / 2 days remote
  • Billable Hours:Patent Attorney: 1,950 (bonus eligible for exceeding billables)
  • Patent Agent: 1,750
  • Direct submission to the firm (no application portal)


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