International Patent Specialist

Direct Counsel is seeking an IP International Patent Specialist (Annuities) to join the IP Practice Services team of a renowned law firm. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3+ years of foreign filing and annuities experience, preferably in a law firm environment. Candidates should predominantly have international work experience, strong knowledge of foreign prosecution, and the ability to bill a minimum of 1560 hours annually. Experience with Inprotech, IPDAS, or iManage is a plus. This position offers a competitive hourly pay range of $46.50 - $68.00 and can be based in Boston, NY, DC, Reston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Palo Alto, San Diego and San Francisco. The position is remote although there are occasional onsite meetings.

Responsibilities:

• Actively encourage clients to outsource annuity and maintenance fee management.
• Ensure timely payment of all annuity and maintenance fees.
• Interact with foreign agents to ensure client’s annuity payment preferences are met.
• Review and confirm that all annuity-related correspondence is processed according to risk management procedures.
• Collaborate with clients to maintain data integrity and implement consistent internal processes.
• Review and resolve data discrepancy reports from annuity vendors, foreign agents, and clients.
• Regularly audit annuity deadlines and information in the firms systems for accuracy.
• Prepare client-specific annuity reports and transmit payment instructions.
• Coordinate with the IP Client Transition Team to ensure annuity payment preferences are confirmed.
• Respond to client requests for budget information.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3+ years of foreign filing and annuities experience required.
• Previous experience in a law firm environment preferred.
• Predominantly international work experience (75%:25% ratio) preferred.
• Ability to bill a minimum of 1560 hours annually (40 hours/week).
• Strong knowledge of foreign prosecution procedures.
• Experience with Inprotech, IPDAS, or iManage is a plus.
• Ability to manage own docket and foreign portfolio, assigned to clients.
• Preferred patent office locations include West Coast or Colorado (Boston, NY, DC, Reston, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Palo Alto, San Diego, and San Francisco).

Salary: Expected hourly pay range: $46.50 - $68.00 (final offer dependent on location, experience, and skillset).