IP Patent Prosecution Supervisor

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, one of the world’s leading global law firms with offices in strategic hubs of commerce, law, and government across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, is seeking to hire an IP Patent Prosecution Supervisor to join our Intellectual Property Patent Support Unit (PATSU). The Patent Prosecution Supervisor will be responsible for supporting patent prosecution activities — including the preparation and filing of documents with the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign national patent offices — while overseeing the administration, supervision, and professional development of the practice’s patent prosecution specialists.

The Patent Prosecution Supervisor is managed by the Senior Manager of Patent Support Services, but will have frequent contact with, and will receive guidance from, attorneys and patent agents in the practice group and legal practice support management for whom this individual provides support.

Morgan Lewis recognizes the benefits of supporting flexible working arrangements. This position will reside in our Washington, DC office with a hybrid in-office/remote working schedule. Flexibility with overtime is required.

• Performing all tasks in support of Senior Manager of Patent Support Services while managing assigned docket and collaborating with IP Prosecution team and attorneys
• Leads the training of employees; plans, assigns, and directs work assignments; assists the regional manager in interviewing, hiring, appraising performance; addresses complaints and resolves problems; assists in the recruiting process for new patent prosecution specialists, including interviewing and new hire training
• Reviews and approves requested leave and timesheets
• Updates and improves the Firm’s Patent administrative processes, procedures, and forms
• Leads special projects and overflow work
• Leads by example; establishes clear expectations; sets direction and priorities; ensures that work levels are balanced among all staff; resolves internal staff issues in a timely manner; keeps staff informed of all appropriate information; builds effective team; delegates at appropriate level
• Facilitates the development of staff by providing opportunities and support; provides timely feedback on work product; regularly coaches, evaluates, and recognizes staff performance and accomplishments
• Establishes/adheres to Department budget; seeks opportunities to improve Department efficiency and reduce expenses by streamlining operations
• Supervises daily operations of patent prosecution staff, including workflow and assignments, quality control of work, and coordination of work; develops, implements, and maintains team best practices
• Prepares non-technical prosecution documents, including Notices to File Missing Parts, Notices to File Corrected Application Papers, Inventor Declaration, Assignment and Power of Attorney
• Reviews and processes Filing Receipt, Notice of Recordation, Office Actions, Notice of Allowances, Recordation of Assignment, Letters Patent, Certificate of Correction and Notice of Publication in accordance with set guidelines and procedures
• Contacts USPTO with status questions; contacts patent examiner regarding missing information
• Makes arrangements with draftsman to correct drawings as necessary
• Monitors patent docket; creates and updates client status charts and reports
• Prepares patent prosecution documents, including transcribing instructions (written and/or verbal), producing patent applications, correspondence, reports, and memoranda; proofreading and redlining
• Prepares pre-issuance documents, including Issue Fee Payments, Publication Fee Payments, and Requests for Recomputations of Patent Term Adjustment
• Performs other duties as…