Senior Patent Paralegal

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Patent Paralegal to support our ambitious and growing IP portfolio.  10x Genomics is looking to continue our growth and expand in the exciting areas of single-cell, spatial, and in situ analysis.  We need a motivated and experienced patent paralegal to play a primary role with the company’s strategic IP efforts worldwide.  You will be a critical member in supporting 10x Genomics’ business in connection with IP portfolio objectives, management, and contribute to management of the company’s patent prosecution efforts.

The Sr Patent Paralegal must be able to interact with the global Legal team members, as well as business external and internal partners at all levels in a fast-paced environment, under time timelines, while remaining flexible, proactive, calm, resourceful and efficient.

What you will be doing

• Provide expert knowledge and understanding of the latest patent practice rules both foreign and domestic, including Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) practices
• Manage case docketing, deadlines, and correspondence using 10x’s docket system (AppColl Patent and Trademark Management System)
• Administer Account Access to AppColl Patent and Trademark Management System
• Monitor assigned cases and ensure that all related deadlines are met in a timely manner
• Manage Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) process
• Organize and conduct docket meetings with attorneys and/or agents
• Draft correspondence and/or communicate effectively with colleagues, inventors, foreign agents and other associates
• Administer and maintain formal patent documentation such as assignments and inventor declarations
• Administer the 10x Patent Awards Program
• Manage and monitor the Invention Disclosure process and records
• Manage and monitor patent annuities by coordinating with internal attorneys and third-party vendor(s)
• Identify, lead or participate in projects focusing on the efficiency and operations of the IP department, including but not limited to:
• Implementation of a new IP docketing system
• IP data summary and verification efforts

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant patent paralegal experience
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent work experience accepted
• Proficiency with document management and IP Management Systems, or commensurate experience with similar systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Proficiency with USPTO Patent Center and EFS, and other patent electronic filing systems such as ePCT
• Proficiency in US, PCT, EPO and other country law as it relates to prosecution and deadlines
• Strong analytical, computer, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work in a team environment; collaborate and establish relationships with colleagues
• A professional demeanor, sense of urgency, sense of humor, results-focus, and the ability to keep sensitive material and conversations strictly confidential
• Ability to operate independently with a high level of attention to detail and is solution oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using CPI annuity software
• An understanding of legal billing practices, proficiency in legal billing software (particularly Legal Tracker), ability to work collaboratively with finance and patent teams on setting and rebalancing budgets as needed, and tracking legal spend, accruals, and budgets in order to identify cost saving opportunities
• Experience coordinating with external counsel and other legal service providers, such as software and translation vendors
• Demonstrated proficiency with patent-related processes, procedures, workflows, and productivity tools, including software adaption and implementation