Patent Agent or Junior/Mid-Level Intellectual Property Associate (Engineering)

For over 40 years, Choate has advised life sciences and tech companies, investors, and top universities on global patent portfolios, life cycle strategies, patent validity, infringement, and due diligence. We offer deep expertise to optimize IP strategies for startups, corporations, and research institutions.

Our technical knowledge and industry experience enable us to craft innovative, business-focused patent solutions that drive commercial success. Clients benefit from partner-led service, true collaboration, and a dynamic culture that transforms science into commercially successful products.

Job Functions / Responsibilities

• Drafting patent applications.
• Prosecuting patent applications in the US (including replies to Office actions, examiner interviews, and appeals to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board) and directing prosecution worldwide.
• Conducting freedom-to-operate searches and analyses.
• Conducting IP landscape analyses.
• Conducting IP due diligence in the context of an asset purchase or securities offering.
• Conducting invalidity and non-infringement analyses.
• Counseling clients on prosecution strategy.
• Surveilling competitor patent applications and filing observations at the US Patent Office.
• Assisting with contested cases at the US Patent Office (e.g., inter partes review, post-grant review) or in US district court.
• Assisting with agreements (e.g., for licenses, research collaborations, research services).

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience as a patent agent or patent associate.
• Prior firm experience and registration with the USPTO.
• Advanced degree ((Ph.D. preferred; will consider a master’s degree with substantial industry experience); strong technical background in engineering.
• An excellent academic record and superior organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
• A demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional client service and a creative and entrepreneurial perspective on IP.
• Experience in litigation and/or post-grant proceedings is a plus.
• Demonstrated aptitude for adopting new technologies, including the ability to become proficient in generative AI tools and apply them thoughtfully in a legal environment.

Schedule

The Firm is currently operating in a hybrid model, with the requirement that everyone should be in the office at least four days per week. This schedule is subject to change dependent on Firm, department, and client needs, and will be routinely evaluated.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future).

About The Firm

One of the nation’s premier law firms, Choate is intentionally built different from our competitors. We focus on a core group of high-impact practice areas and deliver results though a deeply collaborative, integrated team. Our balanced staffing model and hands-on partner leadership create exceptional value and a client experience that builds lasting relationships and draws outstanding talent.

Compensation

Choate offers market-based compensation for its attorneys, patent agents and staff scientists. We also offer bonus compensation and a generous benefits package.

The anticipated salary range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the salary range for this specific position at the time of posting.

The actual offered salary for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to qualifications and prior experience, class placement, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.

Patent Agent: $170,000 - $186,000

Associate: $225,000 - $235,000