Intellectual Property Practice Support Manager-Trademarks (DFM #149)

High-profile, international law firm in Dallas is seeking a highly experienced Intellectual Property Practice Support Manager-Trademarks.  The IP Support Manager is responsible for supporting the Intellectual Property Department Administrative Partner (DAP) and Section Chairs with administrative, procedural (USPTO/Departmental), as well as understanding docketing workflow to ensure timely delivery of service to the firm’s patent and trademark clients.  Must be innovative, have growth mindset, good communication skills, and current knowledge of industry best practices.

Essential Duties:

• Back-up support to the manager responsible for the firm’s Docketing Department to ensure timely updating of the firm’s docketing system by the Docketing Department.
• Implement process improvements within the IP practice support procedures to improve the efficiency of the proper, reliable, and consistency of patent and trademark related correspondence from clients, US and foreign patent and trademark offices, foreign counsel, attorneys and staff, courts, and administrative bodies, etc.
• Maintain current knowledge of IP rules and procedures, both patent and trademark, domestic and foreign, including assisting with maintaining the IPT section Administrative Procedures.
• Assist with incorporating patent and trademark law changes and updates into docketing practices and procedures, including updating the internal Docketing Procedure Manual as needed.
• Implement firm-wide operational procedures that increase efficiency while managing risk and ensuring the use of best practices and innovative ideas.

Training:

• Train staff, including docket clerks, paralegals, secretaries, file clerks, Intellectual Property and IT project specialists, and other staff, on IP practice support standards, policies, procedures, and best practices, including proper use of the docketing and other systems.  Coordinate regularly occurring IP training sessions for staff and Office Administrators and Supervisors regarding current procedures and workflow updates.
• Provide consistent scheduled training for IP staff on rules and law changes/updates.
• Coordinate regular training on patent and trademark prosecution procedures and best practices for staff, attorneys and patent agents.

Management:

• Manage staff workflow, mentoring, provide feedback into performance evaluations and, counseling.
• Ensure proper oversight of workflow coordination of all IP paralegals across the firm and implement appropriate quality control measures.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and tracking of projects related to broad changes and improvement initiatives to existing procedures and workflows.
• Assist DAP and Section Heads with selecting and negotiating contracts as applicable.

Other Duties:

• IPCOPS (IP Committee on Procedures) – Serve as a liaison between IPCOPS and staff to provide guidance on the establishment and/or revision of section procedures. Communicate section procedures to staff members on a regular basis.
• Manage client file (electronic and physical) transfers into and out of the firm.
• Coordinate and communicate with incoming/outgoing partners and departments on client file transfers.
• Coordinate IP activities with the other IP Support Manager to increase effectiveness and decrease duplication of efforts.
• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Reporting Relationship:

The IP Practice Support Manager reports to the Office Administrator and will work closely with the IP DAP, the Section Chairs, and the Director of Human Resources.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Experience:

5+ years of proven experience in the following areas: extensive knowledge of current USPTO and international rules and procedures is required.  A working knowledge of IP docketing procedures and software is required. Experience with PATTSY docketing database strongly preferred.  Candidates will have demonstrated knowledge and experience of general management and performance management, strong organization and project management skills, and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all personnel at all levels is a must.

Skills:

The IP Practice Support Manager must have intermediate knowledge level utilizing of Microsoft Office Applications and must be detailed oriented, deadline driven, and execute.  The individual must possess strong client focus, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both individually and as a member of a team.  The ability to professionally work with many different types of personalities at all levels within the firm is essential.

This individual must have the ability to promote proactive communication across teams and management consistently and maintain confidentiality. The incumbent must have strong multi-tasking skills, operate with a sense of urgency and have proven ability to execute on task. The Manager must be flexible and able to adapt to changing environments quickly. Strong organizational skills are required to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload and workflow across the Firm.

Education/Experience:

-Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or related field.

-5+ years of experience in a patent and trademark support function and 2 additional years of managerial experience.

The firm provides a very competitive benefit package along with beautiful offices in Uptown!

Salary:  $90,000-$100,000 DOE