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Patents Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered patent attorney. Applicants should have at least 5 years of law firm or other relevant experience ...

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered patent attorney. Applicants should have at least 5 years of law firm or other relevant experience ...

Unified Patents

Senior Patent Counsel

Washington, DC · Remote

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered patent attorney. Applicants should have at least 5 years of law firm or other relevant experience ...

Dolby

Director, Patents - Video

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced patent attorney and strategist with a strong understanding of the video patent landscape, industry dynamics, and pool licensing practices. Responsibilities include ...

Unified Patents

Director / VP of Sales

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

Unified is seeking a highly motivated Director / VP of Sales to lead and enhance our sales efforts targeting in-house and law firm Patent and Intellectual Property attorneys and executives. This role ...

Unified Patents

Director / VP of Sales

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

Unified is seeking a highly motivated Director / VP of Sales to lead and enhance our sales efforts targeting in-house and law firm Patent and Intellectual Property attorneys and executives. This role ...

Unified Patents

Director / VP of Sales

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site +1

Unified is seeking a highly motivated Director / VP of Sales to lead and enhance our sales efforts targeting in-house and law firm Patent and Intellectual Property attorneys and executives. This role ...

Unified Patents

Director / VP of Sales

Chevy Chase, MD · Remote

Unified is seeking a highly motivated Director / VP of Sales to lead and enhance our sales efforts targeting in-house and law firm Patent and Intellectual Property attorneys and executives. This role ...

Unified Patents

Director / VP of Sales

San Jose, CA · Remote

Unified is seeking a highly motivated Director / VP of Sales to lead and enhance our sales efforts targeting in-house and law firm Patent and Intellectual Property attorneys and executives. This role ...

Unified Patents

Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Unified Patents is a member-based organization that seeks to deter NPE litigation within its protected zones of technology. Unified accomplishes this goal in a variety of ways. One way is by filing ...

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$68.5K

$144K

$190.5K

How much do patents jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for patents in the United States is $144,009.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Patent Attorney, you need a strong background in law and a technical or scientific field, typically supported by a law degree and passing the patent bar exam. Familiarity with patent search databases, intellectual property management systems, and legal research tools is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and excellent written communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the effective protection of clients’ inventions and compliance with complex legal standards in intellectual property law.

What are some common challenges faced by patent professionals when working with inventors and research teams?

Patent professionals often work closely with inventors and research teams to accurately capture the technical details and novelty of an invention. A common challenge is translating complex scientific or technical concepts into clear, legally robust patent applications. Additionally, coordinating input from multiple stakeholders and ensuring all aspects of an invention are disclosed can be time-consuming. Effective communication and project management skills are essential to navigate these challenges and meet filing deadlines.

What are patents?

Patents are legal rights granted by a government to inventors, giving them the exclusive right to make, use, sell, and import an invention for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date. Patents protect new inventions or processes and prevent others from using the invention without permission. To obtain a patent, the invention must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. Patents encourage innovation by allowing inventors to benefit financially from their work while eventually contributing their inventions to the public domain.

What is the difference between Patents vs Patent Attorneys?

AspectPatentsPatent Attorneys
CredentialsTypically require technical degrees, sometimes patent agent registrationRequire technical degrees and law degrees, plus bar admission
Work EnvironmentResearch, invention disclosure, patent draftingLegal advising, patent application process, client consultations
Industry UsageInventors, R&D departments, patent officesLaw firms, corporate legal teams, patent offices

Patents are legal rights granted for inventions, often held by inventors or companies. Patent attorneys are legal professionals specializing in patent law, helping clients secure and defend patent rights. While patents focus on the technical aspect of inventions, patent attorneys handle the legal process of patent application and litigation. Both roles are essential in the patent ecosystem, with patents representing the rights and patent attorneys providing legal expertise.

More about Patents jobs
What cities are hiring for Patents jobs? Cities with the most Patents job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Patents jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Patents jobs are:
Patents jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patents job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,009 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Senior Patent Counsel

Unified Patents

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Unified Patents is again growing its legal department, and seeks to add an experienced, registered patent attorney. Applicants should have at least 5 years of law firm or other relevant experience before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in particular working on ex parte reexamination proceedings, post-grant petitions (IPR, PGR), or other administrative drafting and litigation experience.
Applicants should have a strong technical background and be willing to explore diverse new technologies; experience with video codecs, coding, cryptography, compression, signals, wireless communications, or other algorithmic subject matter is a plus. Patent examination experience is a plus; clerking experience is a plus; familiarity with ongoing appellate issues affecting PTAB practice is a plus. Must be willing to work within a team, work well independently, and enjoy writing and editing. Diversity is prized in our team and among our candidates. Please be prepared to discuss the administrative matters you have been involved in and be ready to provide examples.
Duties
Managing patent office proceedings internally
Drafting, filing, and litigating patent office proceedings, e.g., ex parte reexaminations
Handling calls with decision makers
Drafting motions and briefs
Supporting senior attorneys with management of ongoing matters
Support docketing, e-filing, deposit account, budgeting, and other IP functions
Editing work product of colleagues, outside counsel
Amicus curiae drafting and support; comment drafting and support
Contract, licensing, and other legal support services
Legal writing, support, and other various legal duties
Requirements
5 years of PTAB (drafting petitions, filing, litigating, deposition) or relevant reexamination experience
State Bar and Patent Registration Examination passage
Ability to work independently and in a team
Excellent English written and oral communication skills
Preferred additional qualities
Patent Office examination experience
Algorithmic, codec, and other code-based subject matter experience
Semiconductor, analog and integrated circuit, and fabrication experience
Appellate and/or clerking experience
EE or CS undergraduate degree
Graduate Technical (MS, MA, or PhD) degree
Benefits
Aggressive, competitive benefits, with generous vacation and paid-for health insurance and profit-sharing; freedom to work from home when appropriate; maternity and paternity leave; financial support for bar associations and continuing legal education.

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