Patent Agent- 5 + years exp.

Classification: Full Time Compensation: $65000 to $82000 per year Patent Agent needed for leading Houston Company. Responsibilities include; Understand the strategic and technological direction of the business units in order to identify valuable existing and emerging intellectual property assets. Maintain knowledge of products and technical developments. Develop relationships with the business unit technology managers and seek to be included in discussions where an intellectual property perspective is helpful and/or necessary. Interact with the R&D and sales staff to identify patentable matter, manage the collection of supporting documents, etc.
Patents and Patent ProsecutionAct as an internal legal specialist for all patent matters:Determine patentability through required research.Work with outside counsel for patent preparation, prosecution (including responses) and defense (worldwide).Ensure application and renewal deadlines are observed.Work with domestic and overseas patent attorneys to defend or enforce patents.Assist with patent license negotiations.Track status of existing patents and patent applications.Manage and direct outside IP counsel engaged for patent and trademark preparation and prosecution matters. Utilize Serengeti Tracker as a matter management for all ongoing IP matters. Serve as the interface between business unit IP/Technology Managers, inventors and outside counsel.
Provide advice on patent issues and commercialization of patentable materials. Coordinate annual IP Portfolio Reviews using Return on Investment focused evaluation tools and ensure business units make value-based decisions. Utilize established procedures for evaluating inventions and assigning matters to outside counsel.
Please contact Heather Ammons-