Patent Attorney

Overview

An experienced Patent Attorney is needed for a part-time engagement with a boutique San Diego intellectual property firm. This is a fully remote role (anywhere in the U.S.), working approximately 20 hours/week, with the potential for more as bandwidth allows.

This full-service IP practice supports inventors, startups, and growing companies and handles a patent docket spanning software, electronics, medical technology, and mechanical inventions. The role is designed for an attorney who can step in with minimal ramp-up and own matters from start to finish, working alongside a Lead Patent Agent.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute U.S. utility and design patent applications across a range of technologies.
• Prepare responses to Office Actions, conduct examiner interviews, and develop prosecution strategies aligned with client business goals.
• Manage and expand client patent portfolios, including identifying additional patentable subject matter around a core invention.
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and non-infringement analyses and provide related opinions.
• Support post-grant matters, including inter partes review and other PTAB proceedings, as needed.
• Coordinate with the Lead Patent Agent, dividing work to reflect each professional’s technical and legal strengths.
• Communicate directly with inventors and founders, translating technical detail into practical legal and business guidance.
• Manage a docket independently while working fully remote and keeping matters moving.

Requirements

• Licensed attorney in good standing in at least one U.S. state.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• 5-7+ years of patent prosecution experience, including drafting and prosecuting applications independently.
• Technical background in engineering, computer science, or a related discipline.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with the judgment to run matters independently and know when to loop in others.
• Comfortable working directly with inventors and founders and advising business-minded clients.
• Organized, proactive, and reliable in a part-time, fully remote environment.
• Reasonably available during West Coast business hours.
• Outstanding references.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in SaaS/software or medical device technologies.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay (annualized, full-time equivalent): $160,000 - $220,000.
• Contract engagement pay is based on multiple factors, including work experience, qualifications, credentials, location, market supply/demand, and the candidate’s preference (which can affect the client bill rate and the candidate’s competitiveness).
• Benefits: For W2 employees working approximately 20 hours/week, full benefits are available, including a Qualified 401k plan.
• Benefits-eligible employees receive complimentary Group Life, LTD and AD&D and professional liability insurance.
• Attorneys receive a CLE and Professional Expense stipend.

Location

• Remote (anywhere in the U.S.)
• Reasonable availability during West Coast business hours.