Senior Patent Agent

Work Location Type: Hybrid

Req Number 324829

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models.

In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment,  offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and  offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $ to $.

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

The Patent Agent reports to the Associate General Counsel, GTG & Endless Assortment, and supports Grainger's intellectual property portfolio. This role is responsible for patent harvesting, reviewing the patent landscape, and analyzing intellectual property to support innovation and business strategy. The Patent Agent serves as a liaison between legal and Grainger's business teams to identify, evaluate, and manage patent-related opportunities and risks.

Candidates with prior experience as USPTO Patent Examiners are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Conduct patent mining activities to identify invention disclosures and innovation opportunities within Grainger’s business units.
• Conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses and competitive intelligence purposes.
• Collaborate with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to assess patentability, strengthen Grainger’s IP portfolio, and align IP strategy with business goals.
• Manage and maintain the patent portfolio, ensuring all deadlines are met. Protect and maintain any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information.
• Coordinate with affiliated legal resources (including outside counsel and in-house IP Paralegal) to grow internal patent knowledge. Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance innovation and patent culture across the company.
• Maintain organized records of invention disclosures, prior art, and competitor patent activity.
• Monitor and analyze patent trends in key technology areas relevant to Grainger’s business.
• Assist with the preparation of reports and presentations to leadership regarding IP strategy, portfolio status, and competitor activity.