Intellectual Property Paralegal

Bristol-Myers Squibb - Princeton, NJ

Full-time - Entry Level

Princeton, NJ

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Intellectual Property Paralegal at Bristol Myers Squibb plays a crucial role in supporting patent attorneys and agents by managing patent cases, ensuring compliance with USPTO requirements, and preparing legal documents for patent submissions. This position requires a strong understanding of patent procedures, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The role is integral to the company's mission of transforming patients' lives through science, providing opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of US and foreign patent procedures.
• Monitors progress of patent cases and patent attorney/agent dockets through use of USPTO Patent Center, IP Management Software and Document Management System.
• Prioritizes current workload efficiently building on the ability to handle multiple heavy dockets and learning best practices to manage multiple tasks including managing outside counsel e-mail review.
• Reviews patent application files to check for compliance with USPTO requirements and BMS department standards.
• Knowledge and working experience of the USPTO Patent Center filing system in order to independently draft and prepare simple to moderately complex patent legal documents for submission to the USPTO including patent applications, figures, sequence listings (ST.26), amendments, information disclosure statements, office action responses, requests for continued examination, notices of appeal, reply briefs, allowance checklists, allowed claims, issue fee payments, etc.
• Complete notice of allowance checklist, and prepare and file issue fee transmittals, review and proof issued patents, as applicable, prepare and files certificates of correction, review, and proof certificates of correction.
• Prepare, send, and track formal documents to inventors/clients for signature. Review and file/record with the USPTO.
• Provide assistance to attorneys with correspondences to worldwide foreign patent agents.
• Familiarity with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 37) and the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP), to enable ability to identify legal issues/problems based on knowledge of PTO procedures.
• Excellent organizational and accountability skills, takes initiative to follow up with inventors, outside counsel law firms and agents to meet critical deadline dates.
• Sets own standards of performance and works to meet standards; takes initiative to expand own knowledge of PTO rules.
• Assist the team with daily workflow tasks and projects in a high volume, fast paced practice while timely identifying and prioritizing time sensitive matters.
• Process and reconcile expense reports.
• Travel Arrangement.
• Organizes meetings for attorneys/agents including meeting agenda and meeting minutes preparation.
• Seeks out opportunities to provide support to others (e.g., counsel, agents, and assistants).

Requirements

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, MS Teams.
• Knowledge of IP Management Software and Document Management Software.
• Form editing capability in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Familiarity use in templates and Word Doc forms. IP Management Software generated forms, preferable.
• Basic skills and experience with Patent-In software to generate sequence listings. Desired but not mandatory with training available.
• Preferred knowledge of domestic and foreign patent databases, e.g., PCT Patent Scope; ePCT.
• Ability to search and procure patent references including U.S. and Foreign patents and journal articles.
• Basic docketing experience with preferred exposure with an IP Management software application.
• Edit capability in Chemdraw. Desired but not mandatory with training available.
• Proactively manage casework and assignments, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicate docket updates to Docketing Department.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree
• 6+ years of work experience or Paralegal Certificate and 4+ years of work experience in a law firm, an in-house legal department, a consulting firm, or comparable experience elsewhere.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Adaptability and openness to learning, embracing changes in procedures and new technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Flexible work environment
• Diversity and inclusion programs
• Health and wellness programs