Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant – Hybrid

Merchant & Gould P.C.

Patent Prosecution Legal Assistant at Merchant & Gould assisting attorneys with patent applications and client communications. Requires strong organization and communication skills with over 5 years of U.S.

Posted 7/11/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in U.S. patent prosecution, including managing client communications, preparing and filing patent documents, and maintaining accurate patent files. Proficient in electronic case management systems and familiar with USPTO rules and requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

U.S. Patent ProsecutionClient ManagementDocument PreparationElectronic Case Management SystemsUSPTO Rules

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Patent Application PreparationDocket ManagementInformation Disclosure StatementsPreliminary AmendmentsResponses to Missing PartsAssignmentsAmendmentsIssue Fee Payments

Soft Skills

IndependenceDeadline ManagementResponsibilityDedicationAccuracy

Certifications & Qualifications

Paralegal Certificate

Industry Keywords

Patent ProsecutionU.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeForeign Patent Applications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides client management support for attorney, not limited to written and verbal communications with clients along with maintaining docket and client specific procedures.
Assists attorney in prosecuting patent applications in the United States and various foreign countries.
Establishes and maintains patent files: opens files, prepares documents for filing including, patent applications, Preliminary Amendments, Information Disclosure Statements, Responses to Missing Parts, Assignments, Amendments, payments of Issue Fees, etc.
Reviews all incoming correspondence from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign associates for essential docketing.

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA degree and/or paralegal certificate or minimum of 5 years experience in U.S. patent prosecution
Familiarity with electronic case management systems and USPTO rules and requirements.
Ability to work independently and meet critical deadlines under supervision of attorney.
High level of responsibility, dedication and accuracy required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance
short- and long-term disability
401(k) match
ten firm holidays