PATENT PARALEGAL

Are you an organized and detail-oriented legal professional with a passion for intellectual property? We are seeking a skilled Patent Paralegal to support our dynamic legal team in managing and protecting our growing portfolio of patents and innovations. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and law, ensuring our inventions and breakthroughs are safeguarded.

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

POSITION TITLE: Patent Paralegal

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patent Paralegal provides comprehensive support for patent prosecution, docket management, and compliance reporting. This role involves coordinating formal filings, managing patent prosecution logistics, and ensuring that patent files are complete and compliant. The successful candidate will support OPC staff attorneys and collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Office of Technology Development (OTD), the General Counsel, and external agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

PATENT PROSECUTION SUPPORT DUTIES:

• Prepare and file formal documents with the USPTO for U.S. patent applications and international PCT applications.
• Monitor email traffic for substantive prosecution issues and notify stakeholders accordingly.
• Maintain and update file histories by ensuring critical communications and documents are captured.
• Identify new projects from email traffic, notify the OTD, coordinate new project matter numbers, and assist with formal invention disclosures.
• Conduct Government Support Clause (GSC) audits, ensuring compliance with grant obligations, updating iEdison, and docketing status updates.
• Perform Verify File Completeness (VFC) audits for newly filed cases, ensuring compliance, and updating the docket.
• Manage office duties to include renewals of licenses and subscriptions, expense tracking.

DOCKETING SUPPORT DUTIES:

• Review email communications to ensure all deadlines are accurately docketed.
• Notify stakeholders of upcoming deadlines and update the docket with prosecution status and instructions.
• Support the monthly Patent Strategy Committee (PSC) meetings, preparing and circulating dockets, taking meeting notes, and updating authorization and instruction statuses.
• Contribute to the automation of prosecution deadline notifications via AppColl.

REPORTNG AND COMPLIANCE:

• Manage reporting obligations under grants and contracts, tracking the status of inventions and commercialization efforts.
• Advise iEdison on the progress of inventions through various development stages.
• Report invention disclosures, confirmatory licenses, extension requests, and patent filings to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) and OTD to coordinate and submit annual invention utilization reports.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

OFFICE MANAGEMENT

• Manage Office of Patent Counsel (OPC) records; OPC employees' personnel files, OPC subscriptions and equipment licenses. OPC office supplies management
• Process expense reimbursement requests for attorney's dues, renewals, subscriptions, continuing educations fees and travel expenses
• Manage USPTO Deposit Account and other OPC accounts
• OPC Liaison with Institute's other departments to coordinate OPC's operations
• Coordinate equipment purchases between OPC staff and Institute's procurement department

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in related field preferred
• 3-5 years' experience as Paralegal or equitable legal experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Acrobat Pro, Outlook, and Dropbox required.
• Prior experience in patent prosecution, paralegal support, docketing and knowledge of U.S. and PCT patent filing processes.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Familiarity with iEdison reporting, government support clause requirements, and AppColl is a plus.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $104,500/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.