Part-Time Paralegal – Patent & Trademark Prosecution

Job Title: Part-Time Paralegal – Patent & Trademark Prosecution

Location: Remote

Position Type: Part-Time (10–25 hours/week)

Reports To: Firm Attorneys

About the Role

Rock IP, PLLC is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Part-Time Paralegal to support our growing intellectual property practice. This fully remote role requires direct experience with both patent and trademark prosecution. The ideal candidate is a proactive, self-motivated professional capable of managing a diverse docket across multiple jurisdictions with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Patent Prosecution:

• Work with attorneys to prepare and file U.S. and PCT patent applications using Patent Center and ePCT.
• Assist in preparing and filing responses to U.S. Patent Office Actions under attorney supervision.
• Prepare Application Data Sheets (ADSs) and coordinate with outside vendors for preparation of formal patent drawings.
• Prepare and file Information Disclosure Statements (IDSs), assignments, declarations, and other formal documents using Patent Center and Assignment Center.
• Proactively monitor all patent prosecution deadlines, including office action responses, filings, allowances, and maintenance fee deadlines; coordinate client reminders, track instructions, and manage responses.
• Draft and send client reporting correspondence for all official patent communications, including filings, office actions, Notices of Allowance, grants, and maintenance events.

Trademark Prosecution:

• Conduct preliminary trademark clearance searches and summarize findings for attorney review.
• Prepare and file U.S. trademark applications through Trademark Center and Madrid Protocol applications through WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing system.
• Assist in preparing and filing responses to U.S. Trademark Office Actions under attorney supervision.
• Assist in gathering and reviewing trademark specimens and preparing post-registration maintenance filings, including post-registration declarations.
• Track and report trademark renewal and maintenance deadlines for U.S. and international registrations.

General IP Support:

• Coordinate foreign patent and trademark filings with foreign associates and maintain accurate records of correspondence and filings.
• Monitor and manage prosecution dockets, deadlines, and client communications.
• Maintain organized IP records, update docketing systems promptly, and prepare accurate billing entries.
• Provide administrative support including client reporting, document management, and communication tracking.
• Assist with client intake and new matter setup, including collecting onboarding information and entering IP data into the docketing system.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience supporting patent and trademark prosecution matters.
• Proficiency with USPTO systems (Patent Center, Trademark Center, Assignment Center) and international filing systems (ePCT, WIPO’s Madrid e-Filing, and/or EPO online services).
• Experience with IP docketing software (e.g., AppColl, Anaqua, or Foundation IP).
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Paralegal certificate preferred; bachelor’s degree a plus.
• Availability to work 10–25 hours per week with flexibility for remote collaboration.

Preferred Traits

• Highly organized with a proactive, deadline-driven approach.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, virtual environment.
• Prior experience working in a law firm or in-house legal department preferred.