IP Patent Paralegal

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 25 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.

We are currently seeking an IP Patent Paralegal to join our collaborative Intellectual Property team and support attorneys on sophisticated patent prosecution matters in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, proactive, and knowledgeable in patent rules and procedures, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH;
Columbus, OH;
Indianapolis, IN;
Nashville, TN; or Washington, DC.

• Assist, prepare and filelegal documents with USPTO and other international patent offices electronically (e.g. WIPO) for both PCT and national entry patent applications.
• Stay up to date regarding filing requirements in both the USPTO and other international patent offices.
• Correspond with foreign counsel and, under the guidance of the attorney, provide instructions regarding international applications, registrations, renewals, notices, affidavits, declarations and other necessary documentation in their respective jurisdiction which ensures compliance with all filing requirements and regulations.
• Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements, including managing the review of patent families and similar applications; prepare formal documents, IDS citation forms, and submission of foreign and non-patent literature references; and file the documents with the USPTO.
• Complete client checklists, where required, to ensure all necessary documents have been filed and procedural steps have been completed.
• Understand and follow the IP Practice Group’s procedures and record‑keeping policies, including the use of Net Documents for document management. Communicate directly with clients and attorneys regarding patent matters, including notifying clients and attorneys regarding due dates, obtaining required signatures and documentation, and providing updates.
• Utilize CPi Docketing software and review reports generated from CPi.
• Assist the attorneys in preparing for meetings, hearings or mediations.
• Proofread documents prepared by attorneys.
• Accurately record time worked and enter time and description into time and billing system in a timely manner.

• Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree with a major in paralegal studies, or a Bachelor's degree with an unrelated major, and have:
  • A certificate from an ABA‑approved paralegal training program specializing in the area for which the candidate is being considered; or
  • Two years’ experience in the area of specialization for which the candidate is being considered or other comparable experience; or
  • Unique qualifications, experience, or training which fill a specific need within FBT Gibbons.
• Minimum of 3 years of Patent Intellectual Property Paralegal experience.
• Prior experience with docketing software. Experience working in CPI and Practice Link is a plus.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects with time constraints and interruptions.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Ability to work within established processes and procedures.
• Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
• Excellent client service skills, both with internal and external…