Intellectual Property Associate - Phoenix

JOB TITLE: Intellectual Property Associate
LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ

POSITION SUMMARY:
Spencer Fane has an opening in our Phoenix, AZ office for an Intellectual Property Associate with 2-5 years of experience. An ideal candidate will be registered to practice before the USPTO and preferably have at least two years of patent prosecution and patent drafting experience, or equivalent experience as a USPTO Patent Examiner. Position involves primarily drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the software, telecommunications, medical, and mechanical arts. A good understanding of trademark preparation and prosecution is also desired. This position provides opportunities for increasing levels of responsibility and movement into other areas of our IP practice. Candidates must have strong technical writing skills and must be capable of maintaining a demanding workload. Successful candidates will be self-starters and will be able to manage their time between multiple matters while producing high quality work on a consistent basis.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:

• Draft provisional, non-provisional, and design patent applications relating to software, UI, and gaming technologies.
• Review and draft responses to patent Office Actions.
• Prepare other patent prosecution-related documents, such as Responses to Notices of Missing Parts, Information Disclosure Statements, etc.
• Provide support in trademark matters, as needed, including drafting responses to trademark Office Actions.
• Drafting correspondence to foreign associates concerning patent and trademark prosecution and foreign proceedings.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school with an excellent academic record
• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Admission to the Arizona bar and in good standing
• USPTO registration number
• Minimum of 2 years of full-time experience drafting and prosecuting software-related patent applications – experience with patents in the gaming industry is a plus
• Ability to interface directly with attorneys and clients
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and productively
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Outstanding judgment
• Ability to effectively handle multiple projects

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs for filing, document handling, or office materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and handling of office equipment.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.