Paralegal (Patent Prosecution) at Mueting Raasch Group in Minneapolis, MN, USA

Job description

• To ensure success as a patent prosecution paralegal, you should possess knowledge of U.S. and PCT filing and prosecution procedures and an understanding of foreign patent processes. To be an outstanding patent paralegal at MRG, you will be a team player whose resourcefulness translates into excellent support to MRG patent attorneys and agents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file U.S. provisional/non-provisional and international patent applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and International Bureau (IB).
• Manage multiple client-specific dockets, maintain a personal docket, and ensure all deadlines are tracked and met.
• Draft and file documents, including Information Disclosure Statements, Office
• Action responses, Declarations, Assignments, Power of Attorney, and other USPTO communications.
• Coordinate and manage international patent filings and prosecution with foreign associates.
• Conduct patent searches and gather prior art references for IDS filings.
• Maintain client's patent portfolios, including maintaining records, reviewing files, preparing status reports/updates, and communicating with clients.
• Regularly correspond independently with clients, inventors, and patent examiners regarding patent prosecution matters.
• Ensure compliance with USPTO rules, regulations, and firm policies.
• Extract relevant information from official USPTO, PCT, foreign patent office databases, and related incoming correspondence.

Requirements

• 4 years of experience as a patent prosecution paralegal in a law firm or corporate IP department.
• Paralegal certification or degree in paralegal studies is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of USPTO procedures, e-filing systems (Patent Center, EFSWeb), and foreign patent filing processes (including PCT filings).
• Proficiency in docketing systems such as CPI, Anaqua, or Foundation IP and legal research tools.
• Exceptional organizational and task prioritization skills, attention to detail, and managing multiple deadlines efficiently while maintaining a high-quality work product.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other legal software, including applications for patent prosecution and time and billing software.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to consistently focus on details in all aspects of work to identify and resolve potential problems.
• Strong commitment to client service.

Skills

Required

• Strong commitment to client service.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical (employer-paid for employees only), dental, vision, life/AD&D, and STD and LTD disability insurance, a health reimbursement account, a health savings account (employer contributions), pet insurance, and a 401k/profit-sharing retirement package. We also provide Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time, firm-issued equipment, a stipend for the home office, a hybrid working environment (some in-office required), in-office incentives offered such as monthly lunches and other incentives, and discretionary bonuses, and a free on-site gym. Additionally, we offer professional development and continuing legal education assistance. Please provide a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations.
• We offer a competitive salary. The salary range reflects various factors considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications, and other job-related factors. A reasonable estimate for someone hired into this position is $37.00 - $41.00/hour based on a 40-hour-a-week schedule.