IP Docketing Specialist

This position will be working in a high-volume, team-oriented environment supporting our multi-office Intellectual Property group. We are seeking someone that is experienced with U.S. and Foreign patent and trademark prosecution docketing to ensure timely and accurate updates to our docketing database. Experience with Trademarks a plus.

Essential Duties

• Review all incoming correspondence for the IP group to determine due dates or reminder dates to be docketed or de-docketed in our docketing database.
• Process and email information regarding deadlines docketed to the appropriate individuals.
• Create new records within the database, annotate all entries as appropriate, verify accuracy of data entered prior to considering record creation/update complete.
• Maintain current deadlines in accordance with correspondence received and prevailing country law requirements.
• Assist in verifying and updating the status of patent and trademark cases in accordance with review of record information displaying at the USPTO and various foreign PTO’s.
• Docketing of internal docket slips.
• Prepare standard and custom docket reports for attorneys and staff.
• Assists with intakes and transfers in connection with new clients, attorney hires, attorney departures, or change in counsel.
• Assist attorneys and paralegals with U.S. and foreign prosecution deadline verifications as needed; and
• Assist with assigned special projects.

Reporting Relationship

The Docketing Specialist reports directly to the Intellectual Property Support Manager.

Subordinate Staff:  N/A

Education

High school diploma required; college degree preferred.

Qualifications Knowledge/Experience  

• Must have electronic docketing software experience.
• No less than three years of experience with Intellectual Property deadline docketing.
• Thorough understanding of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark prosecution and lifecycles (Nonprovisional, Provisional, PCT, Madrid Protocol).
• Ability to independently determine priority dates, calculate due dates, and verify terms in docketing database.

 Skills:   

• Must have electronic docketing software experience, knowledge of PATTSY a plus.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Requires strong attention to detail and accuracy review.
• Familiarity with various patent and trademark office e-platforms (USPTO, WIPO, EPO).
• Knowledge of docketing best practices, resourceful in obtaining data accuracy verification.
• Must possess excellent skills Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word), Adobe, and ability to adapt to new computer software required.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, time management skills, problem-solving mindset, and collaborative attitude.
• Should display positive, can-do attitude with good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be dependable, responsible.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Working Conditions

Office Environment

At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.

Haynes and Boone has been doing business in Houston for more than 30 years – consistently providing value to our clients in the local community, the U.S., and internationally. Our lawyers help major corporate clients grow and thrive in this energetic city, which has major connections to Latin America, Europe and Asia. Our Houston office focuses on energy, private equity, technology, real estate, intellectual property, environmental, business litigation, appeals, bankruptcy and restructuring, labor and employment, employee benefits and executive compensation, finance, tax, securities, mergers and acquisitions, and public and international law. We believe our people are the driving force behind our success in Houston. Because we value the role every individual plays in delivering exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success. We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.