Intellectual Property Paralegal

A full-time, fully remote role is available at Thompson Patent Law for an experienced Patent Prosecution Paralegal

Role Overview

The Patent Prosecution Paralegal is responsible for supporting attorneys and patent agents with the preparation, filing, and management of domestic and international patent applications. This role involves assisting with managing docketing, preparing legal documents, and ensuring timely responses to USPTO office actions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and skilled at multitasking to ensure that all deadlines are met while providing exceptional support to clients and legal professionals.

About Us

Thompson Patent Law (TPL) is an intellectual property boutique law firm that delivers Litigation Quality Patents. Our 20+ years of experience, thought leadership, and numerous proprietary patent processes give us an edge over conventional IP firms.

We combine precision, passion, and unparalleled legal expertise to ensure our clients’ innovations are not only protected but positioned for maximum impact. We strive to help entrepreneurs and businesses get well-engineered patents.

At TPL we don’t just protect ideas—we engineer them to maximize monetization for our clients. Our relentless pursuit of monetization ensures that our clients’ inventions are safeguarded with unmatched business value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor, docket, and communicate all patent and trademark deadlines across AppColl, USPTO, and WIPO.
• Prepare, file, and submit patent applications, Office Action responses, IDS filings, assignments, POAs, declarations, and related documents with the USPTO, WIPO, and foreign patent offices.
• Coordinate international patent filings, including PCT applications, Chapter II demands, and correspondence with foreign counsel.
• Send client notifications, reminders, status updates, and filing receipts, including corrections when required.
• Maintain accurate records by saving engagement letters, receipts, instructions, and correspondence in firm systems including AppColl, Notion, Dropbox, and Clio.
• Track client payments and project status using Stripe, LawPay, and Clio to ensure accuracy and completion of billing.
• Monitor and follow up on Trust Requests to ensure compliance with timelines and instructions.
• Prepare client portfolios, spreadsheets, and meeting materials, document meeting notes and update task and project status in IP databases.
• Schedule client meetings, manage follow-up items, and monitor communication channels.
• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, examiners, and clients throughout patent prosecution matters.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Competencies :

• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and docketing requirements with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in patent filing and docketing systems, including AppColl, USPTO PatentCenter, WIPO, and trademark platforms.
• Skilled in preparing legal documents such as Office Action responses, assignments, declarations, and related prosecution filings.
• Effective written and verbal communicator with clients, attorneys, patent office personnel, and internal teams.
• Experienced in maintaining accurate client, case, and billing records across firm systems such as Notion, Clio, and Dropbox.
• Ability to track payments, monitor project status, and support accurate billing processes.
• Proactive problem solver who anticipates issues, addresses delays, and adapts to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player who works closely with attorneys, patent agents, and support staff to maintain efficient workflows.
• Capable of conducting legal and prior art research to support patent prosecution efforts.
• Committed to client confidentiality, professional integrity, and upholding firm standards in all interactions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience working as a patent prosecution paralegal in a law firm or corporate legal department. Trademark prosecution experience helpful.
• Experience with patent docketing software (e.g., AppColl), patent office filings (USPTO, WIPO), and international patent filings is required.
• Experience with trademark searches, filings, docketing and intellectual property management systems is preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures related to patent prosecution.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Sharepoint), Adobe Acrobat, and legal database systems (AppColl, Clio, LawPay, Stripe)

General Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States
• Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time
• Reside in the United States (preference given to candidates located in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, or Texas)
• Quiet, professional home office setup with reliable internet and a personal computer suitable for the role
• Able to pass a background check
• Compensation:
• We offer competitive compensation. The salary range for this role is $40,000-$50,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

In addition, we offer:

• Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect.
• The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you.
• A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development.
• Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing.
• Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work.
• Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures.

TPL's Core Values:

We live by these values—and we expect every team member to embody them:

• 5-Star Concierge Service - Set an expectation and atmosphere of respect, abundance, and growth.
• Be a Problem-Solver - Don’t overlook what needs fixing. Seek to bring the start of a solution.
• No Jerk Policy - We don’t tolerate those who are not both polite and kind.
• Hand Your Problems Up - Spread praise around. Zero gossip.
• Always Do Your Best! - You can’t do better than that.
• Make More Money. Have More Fun! - No shame. The #1 requirement for any business is to be profitable.

Benefits

• We value our team as our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal growth.
• Work-Life Balance: Remote work from anywhere in the U.S., allowing you the flexibility to manage your personal and professional life effectively. (Preference given to candidates located in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, or Texas)
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental and Vision)
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Paid holidays
• A competitive salary

How to apply: Interested applicants should click the apply button on this page to be directed to our application page.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Remote