Patent Compliance Manager

About the Opportunity

Job Summary:

The Patent Compliance Manager is a member of the Center for Research Innovation (CRI) team and supports the mission and goals of CRI and Northeastern University through the protection, management, and impact of Northeastern University’s intellectual property (IP) assets. The primary purpose of this role is to effectively protect and manage Northeastern University’s IP assets ensure appropriate protection of portfolio, and to oversee Northeastern University’s compliance with regulations and policies related to reporting of inventions under government funding.

The Patent Compliance Manager will report to the Associate Director of IP & Contracts Counsel and will provide leadership within CRI and Northeastern University related to best practices for IP Compliance, obligations to Federal agencies regarding subject inventions, and integrity of portfolio data. Duties will include collaborating with University Offices about Federal compliance and regulations related to inventions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ability to understand relevant information from inventors and communicate such information with CRI colleagues and stakeholders, remain current on changes to regulations, policies, and Federal agency requirements that affect invention reporting, and identify areas for process improvement and work with CRI colleagues and other stakeholders to implement a work plan to accomplish objectives.

Effective organization skills, strong attention to detail, and effective communication and interpersonal skills. Resourceful, self-motivated, able to manage workload independently and as part of a team, able to manage and accomplish multiple projects and priorities including those of direct report, and able to exercise discretion in areas of responsibility.

Knowledge and skills required for this position are often obtained through a bachelor’s degree and experience consisting of a minimum of three years working as a patent paralegal or legal administrative assistant or equivalent within a University environment. Must have solid knowledge of USPTO rules and practices and patent application and prosecution process, general knowledge of sponsored research, and competency working with Microsoft Office applications, iEdison, PrivatePAIR, and docketing software such as CPI.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

Protect and manage Northeastern University’s IP assets: (40%)

• Intake and review of invention disclosures 
• Knowledgeable communication with inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and external parties to direct IP compliance 
• Ensure disclosures receive appropriate commercial and legal review when necessary. 
• Understands and is responsible for compliance regulations around the management of 3rd party managed IP in which Northeastern University is a joint owner
• Assigns institutions and publication of disclosed inventions before statutory deadlines

Oversee Northeastern University’s compliance with regulations and policies related to reporting of inventions under government funding: (30%)

• Remain current on changes to regulations, policies, and Federal agency requirements that affect invention reporting 
• Maintain working knowledge of topics including subject invention reporting, electing and/or waiving title, confirmatory licenses, and utilization reports 
• Resolve notices and issues related to subject invention reporting, including communication to external partners 
• Complete annual iEdison utilization reports 
• Coordinate with other offices and divisions within Northeastern to responsibly closeout government sponsored awards as questions arise relating to IP portfolio 
• Partner with CRI colleagues to develop trainings and/or resources related to government reporting for Northeastern University community

Develop and implement resources and processes within CRI to ensure appropriate protection of portfolio: (20%)

• Provide leadership within CRI and Northeastern University related to best practices for patent compliance portfolio management  
• Develops and maintains reports for compliance audits

Strategic projects with CRI Directors (5%)

• Provide expertise on projects that support the mission and goals of CRI and Northeastern University

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.