Job Description

Become part of the Parker Poe team that – for more than a century – has represented many of the Southeast’s largest companies and local governments. We are a tight-knit firm that values the person beyond the lawyer or professional. Because of this, in addition to structured integration efforts, you will find that mentorship, professional development, and internal referrals happen organically. If you want to join a collaborative team providing sophisticated legal services – without losing sight of our calling to give back to our communities – this is the place to be.

The Patent & Trademark Paralegal will support the Intellectual Property practice group. The typical schedule will consist of 7.5 hours per day equating to 37.5 hours per week. Additional hours (including overtime) will be required as needed. This position will report to the local Office Administrator. There are no direct reports to this position.

This position is available in Greenville, SC or Raleigh, NC.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Patents
• Prepare, coordinate, and file U.S. and PCT patent documents with the USPTO and WIPO, including U.S. and PCT patent applications, application data sheets, assignments, inventor declarations, information disclosure statements, Office Action responses, terminal disclaimers, and other related submissions, ensuring compliance with applicable procedural and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate filings with foreign counsel for international patent matters, including national phase entries, direct national filings, and responses to foreign Office Actions.
• Correspond with foreign counsel to provide instructions and supporting information for international applications, declarations, formalities documents, and other required filings.
• Monitor, track, and coordinate payment of patent annuities/maintenance fees; instruct payment agencies and correspond with foreign counsel and clients regarding fee payment status and deadlines.
• Manage and maintain patent dockets, including prosecution deadlines, chain-of-title updates, security interests, recordation needs, prosecution documentation, and maintenance obligations.

Trademarks
• Coordinate and manage worldwide trademark filings, including U.S. and international applications and related prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement activities.
• Prepare and file trademark applications and supporting documentation; monitor applications through examination, publication, allowance, and registration.
• Search for and compile USPTO-compliant specimens for application and Statement of Use filings.
• Conduct trademark availability/clearance searches and review results to identify potential risks, conflicts, and related issues.
• Prepare and file trademark oppositions and cancellations with supporting documentation.
• Maintain and update trademark dockets, including deadlines, renewals, Office Actions, oppositions, cancellations, and other disputes.

General
• Monitor potential infringement matters and support related enforcement, takedown, opposition/cancellation, and litigation activities as needed.
• Communicate with clients regarding patent and trademark prosecution status, required actions, upcoming deadlines, and maintenance/renewal needs.
• Draft, proofread, and coordinate correspondence, legal documents, and supporting materials for attorneys, clients, and the Intellectual Property team.
• Maintain accurate and current client, matter, and contact information across internal systems, including document management and docketing platforms.
• Coordinate execution and recordation of assignments and other recordable instruments; assist with signature packages and formalities to ensure timely completion.
• Prepare reporting materials as requested, including status updates, deadline reports, and portfolio summaries for attorneys and clients.
• All other duties as assigned by leadership and assigned attorneys.

Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of patent experience as a paralegal or the equivalent combination of education and experience; international patent, trademark, and docketing experience is preferred.
• Thorough understanding of U.S. patent prosecution processes, including PCT filings, ADS and IDS preparation, and use of patent docketing and electronic file management systems.
• Experience preparing and prosecuting trademark applications and maintenance filings
• Familiarity with USPTO systems for both patents (PAIR, EFS Web, Patent Center) and trademarks (TEAS, TSDR, TTAB).
• Familiarity with IP Docketing software with a preference for PATTSY and WebTMS
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and urgent requests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as a self starter while also supporting team members during peak workloads.

Parker Poe is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes recruitment, employment, promotional and all other personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.