Senior Patent Paralegal

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference.

We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.

Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.

United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

Hybrid, Princeton, NJ (with ability to travel to Ewing, NJ)

Role Summary

This Senior Patent Paralegal position reports to the Chief IP Counsel and provides patent paralegal support to Church & Dwight’s R&D function in Princeton, New Jersey and to its Water Pik business in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The person in this role is expected to work closely with Church & Dwight’s legal team to accomplish the overall objectives of the legal department. This position is located at Church & Dwight’s R&D center in Princeton, NJ. The ability to travel (about 5 days/year) to Colorado is preferred.

Role Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Review incoming correspondence from the USPTO and all foreign patent offices and agents, and timely docket all due dates worldwide. Maintain patent docket and follow up with all patent attorneys/agents in advance to ensure that all deadlines are timely met.
• Assist with preparation of legal documents, including contracts and legal opinions; arrange for legalization of documents and obtain copies of corporate documents; assist with research and preparation of discovery responses for patent litigation.
• Assist with preparation of routine patent correspondence with Company management, legal counsel, R&D and marketing groups. Work with various client groups to obtain product samples and other sales and use information to support prosecution of patent applications and other proceedings.
• Assist in the preparation of domestic patent applications, and file same at the USPTO. Prepare and file PCT international applications. Instruct outside agents and patent attorneys in the filing of foreign patent applications. Correspond with internal/outside patent counsel and foreign agents during prosecution of applications and assist with preparation of prosecution papers such as responses to office actions and information disclosure statements.
• Review and approve (within limits of authorization to do so) patent bills from outside domestic and foreign agents and attorneys up to authorized levels.
• Monitor the USPTO Deposit Account and replenish as needed.
• Prepare correspondence, documentation and recording of patent chain-of-title resulting from assignments, name changes, address changes, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
• Assist with conducting internet research and patentability searches as directed.
• Assist with freedom to operate clearances of products, patent due diligence and other patent-related projects, including packaging and label reviews of products for patent information.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to patent annuities and maintenance.
• Assist with other patent team tasks as needed.

Education and Experience

• At least five years’ experience as a patent paralegal in a corporate or law firm environment supporting patent prosecution functions, including (i) preparing and filing US and PCT patent applications, as well as working with foreign agents to file non US applications, (ii) preparing formal documents such as Declarations and Assignments; (iii) supporting prosecution of worldwide patent applications, and (iv) docketing all matters in the filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent applications throughout the world.
• Paralegal Certificate and/or bachelor’s degree are preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Updated, deep knowledge of USPTO, PCT and foreign office patent filing requirements, formalities requirements and examination procedures.
• Deep knowledge in using USPTO and PCT electronic systems
• Deep familiarity with patent docketing software, patent and trademark search programs and internet-based research. 
• Self-starter committed to identifying and solving problems and meeting deadlines without reminders; demonstrates “can do” and “how can I help?” attitudes.
• Strong focus on process improvement and efficiency; demonstrates strong “change agent” skills.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and written and verbal communication skills, as well as possessing a client service mindset.
• Ability and willingness to work in a dynamic environment where priorities and tasks can change and new skills may need to be learned.
• Proactive; will consider available options and decide optimum solutions to varied and unique problems.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Exhibits strong “team player” mindset.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and USPTO systems.

#piq #LI-Hybrid

Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/