Patent AND Trademark Paralegal

Patent and Trademark Paralegal - Buffalo, NY

A leading law firm of 300 attorneys across 30+ practice areas is seeking a Patent and Trademark Paralegal to join its nationally recognized Intellectual Property group. This role offers the chance to work closely with a high-performing team of IP attorneys and professionals, managing a wide array of domestic and international IP matters. The primary focus is on patent and trademark prosecution, docketing, and portfolio maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

Patent Support

Prepare and e-file U.S. And PCT patent documents (applications, amendments, RCEs, etc.)

File Information Disclosure Statements and obtain prior art references

Record assignments with the USPTO

Coordinate international patent filings and communications with foreign agents

Monitor and respond to office actions from the USPTO and foreign offices

Maintain and track patent docket deadlines

Support invention disclosure documentation and patent committee reporting

Trademark Support

Prepare and file U.S. Trademark applications, renewals, assignments, and maintenance filings

Coordinate international trademark filings via Madrid Protocol and direct filings

Monitor trademark deadlines, including office actions and opposition proceedings

Communicate with clients regarding key trademark deadlines and filings

Conduct preliminary clearance searches and prepare summaries for attorney review

Portfolio Management

Maintain client IP portfolios in firm IP management systems

Generate reports on patent and trademark statuses for internal and client use

Coordinate annuity and maintenance fee payments with clients and vendors

Administrative & Support Duties

Manage correspondence with clients, agents, and government offices

Draft legal documents and routine correspondence under attorney supervision

Maintain up-to-date IP records and ensure docket accuracy

Upload documents to docketing and document management systems

Conduct research and data compilation as needed Skills & Qualifications

Associate's degree required;Bachelor's or Paralegal Certificate from ABA-accredited program preferred

3 5+ years of IP paralegal experience, with substantial focus on patent and trademark prosecution

Strong knowledge of USPTO and WIPO systems (Patent Center, TEAS, EPAS, ePCT)

Experience with IP docketing software (e.G., Foundation IP, CPI, Anaqua)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and ability to edit image files

Experience with document management systems (e.G., iManage)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Exceptional attention to detail, project management, and deadline tracking abilities

Able to manage priorities independently in a fast-paced, collaborative environment