Patent Agent

Lutron Electronics - Coopersburg, PA

Full-time - Entry Level

Coopersburg, PA

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

Lutron Electronics is seeking a highly motivated entry to mid-level Patent Agent to join its IP team. The role involves providing a broad range of intellectual property (IP) services, including eliciting invention disclosures, drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide, and contributing to the company's global IP strategy. The Patent Agent will work closely with engineers and business leaders to align IP strategies with Lutron's business objectives and assist in analyzing potential risks related to third-party patent rights.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with company engineers to elicit invention disclosures
• Prepare and prosecute US and foreign patent applications with ongoing engagement with engineers and business leaders
• Manage US and foreign patent counsel in drafting and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Assist with the ongoing strategic maintenance and growth of Lutron's US and foreign patent portfolios
• Build and manage relationships with technical, business, and legal leaders to understand Lutron's businesses and align its IP strategies with relevant R&D activities, commercialization plans, and business and technology strategies
• Assist in providing proactive, cost-effective, and efficient IP advice and services tailored to the needs and priorities of Lutron's business units
• Assist in analyzing potential risks to Lutron's worldwide products and businesses regarding third-party patent rights
• Prepare, obtain, and analyze patent searches and work with IP attorneys to provide assessments on patentability, non-infringement, and validity
• Assist with potential third-party patent licensing requests and patent allegations regarding Lutron products and businesses
• Provide competitive analysis support regarding potential infringement of Lutron patent rights
• Work closely with the internal IP team to continually develop the IP Department to improve processes
• Assist with the development of educational materials and training Lutron personnel on IP issues, and support the development and implementation of, and compliance with, internal policies and procedures
• Maintain expertise in US patent laws, regulations, and processes and working knowledge of global patent laws, regulations, and processes
• Follow and master relevant technology developments, both internally and externally

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related discipline
• Minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all related degrees earned
• USPTO Patent Bar registration
• 1+ year of experience drafting patent applications and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Willingness and ability to travel to US engineering offices as required, up to 10% of your time

Nice-to-haves

• 3+ years of software or hardware engineering experience preferred
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the electrical and software fields, with additional experience in mechanical and design applications preferred
• Experience as a patent agent with a mix of law firm and in-house experience or solely in-house experience

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for continued growth and education