IP Trademark, Copyright, & Advertising (TCA) Operations Manager

IP Trademark, Copyright, & Advertising (TCA) Operations Manager

Cooley is seeking an IP Trademark, Copyright, & Advertising (TCA) Operations Manager to join the IP Services team.

Position Summary: The TCA Operations Manager is responsible for oversight of all aspects of TCA operations and TCA business professional management within the IP Services team. This role also drives technological and process innovation, overall efficiency, and the mitigation of risk, as well as TCA Best Practices Committee (BPC) initiatives. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position Responsibilities:

Operations

• Collaborate with TCA Practice Group Leadership and the team to research, implement and maintain best in class technology solutions supporting operational efficiency and productivity, and consistently exceptional client service
• Engage in review of processes and systems that support the TCA practice. Identify issues, compliance, other risks, and team priorities and propose process and systems improvements
• Monitor, review, and recommend materials and outside resources that have the potential to improve management of the practice or to assist the timekeepers and other practitioners in providing enhanced service
• Interface with other firm departments and teams (including Business Information and Conflicts, Risk Management, Accounting/Finance, Information Governance, Information Services, and Innovation) to resolve problems and increase efficiencies for the TCA practice and enable better client service
• Liaise with USPTO on various matters, including but not limited to, USPTO system outages and My.USPTO.gov account maintenance, USPTO rule changes and new USPTO initiatives and platforms
• Work collaboratively with IP Systems team, who have overall responsibility for the efficient operation of the IP Management System and other systems and software supporting the TCA Practice

Docketing management:

• Serve as supervisor and mentor to IP Docketing Specialists (Trademark) and IP Lead Docketing Specialist (Trademark)
• Ensure daily quality checks are in place to review critical docketing data and coordinate periodic data audits
• Maintain regular communication with timekeepers and non-docketing business professionals to receive feedback, perceptions of docketing quality, and suggestions for improvement. Propose improvements to workflow and procedures affecting the docketing practice. Work in coordination with IP Leadership team members to implement improvements
• Regularly review team processes to identify new ways to increase both efficiency of the docketing process through improved workflows, automation or other technology and accuracy of data through data validation tools, second eye checks and periodic audits, setting a reasonable balance between these competing concerns
• Identify and provide leadership for IP Services data integrity projects across IP docketing software and other firm systems
• Ensure team members are developing the skills and knowledge to carry out their role effectively, identifying skill gaps and implement necessary training ensuring a consistent approach is maintained across the team
• Stay abreast of law changes that will impact data or deadlines on the docket and work with the IP Systems team and/or Best Practices Committee where required to implement necessary changes. Document changes, train team members, and propose practice group-wide communications where required
• Establish key metrics and reports to highlight team performance and TCA practice group performance

TCA business professional management:

• Serve as supervisor and mentor to IP TCA Specialists and the IP Practice Team Specialists who provide support to the TCA group, further developing the roles to ensure the appropriate responsibilities and tasks are handled by the team
• Direct engagement with TCA lawyers and paralegals to ensure that client service and high-level non-billable support is effective and efficient
• Review, develop, and recommend service offerings to provide cost-effective support with a focus on efficiency through process improvement or the introduction of new technology

Best Practices committee (BPC):

• Drive all functions of the TCA BPC with guidance from the Committee Chair, and the Director of IP Services. Engage all members of BPC to maximize their contribution to the Committee
• Develop and coordinate methods to ensure implementation of BPC policies and directives, collaborating with practice group Resource Attorney and other BPC members
• Facilitate Resource Attorney utilization by raising awareness about the purpose and focus of the role and by ensuring questions, requests, and projects that fall outside of the scope are directed and handled by the appropriate individual(s)

Local office IP support:

• Serve as local office IP Services manager resource overseeing daily operations to ensure group-wide services are effective
• Provide leadership to encourage business professional and attorney participation in local office events and culture
• Proactively engage with attorneys and business professionals, developing working relationships to be an effective gateway to all services of the IP Services department
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills & Experience

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• Ability to travel, as required
• 5+ years’ experience in a Trademark related role
• Project management experience
• Experience in docket system utilization, data management, and docket integrity and control using Inprotech or comparable IP docketing system

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Supervisory experience in a professional services or law firm environment, with proven ability to manage, coach and motivate
• Previous law firm experience
• Experience researching IP status and history in PTO databases, including USPTO systems (TSDR), WIPO, Madrid Monitor, and EUIPO eSearch, as well as public databases in other jurisdictions
• Possess working knowledge and keep abreast of rules according to USPTO procedures, 37 C.F.R., and the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP)

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and under pressure/tight time constraints
• Aptitude for multi-tasking
• Creative and entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and process improvement
• Strong analytical ability and implementation skills
• Strong project management skills
• Flexible and agile, ability to reprioritize with changes in the business
• Ability to meet deadlines and effectively complete operational and project-based assignments
• Strong initiative and a get-it-done attitude
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and management skills
• Customer service oriented, as demonstrated by strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to prioritize work tasks and manage deadlines based upon internal and external client needs

Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices.

EOE.

The expected annual pay range for this position with a full-time schedule is $125,000 - $170,000. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.

We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 21 days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.