University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS
posted about 2 months ago
Full-time - Mid Level
Kansas City, KS
Educational Services
About the position
The Senior Intellectual Property Associate at the KU Center for Technology Commercialization is responsible for overseeing patent management activities, serving as the primary contact for faculty inventors and outside patent counsel. This role involves developing internal processes for patent management, advising on patent matters, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The Associate also plays a key role in educating staff and faculty on intellectual property issues and may supervise interns and administrative staff.
Responsibilities
- Develops internal processes and procedures for patent database management, docketing, patent filing and maintenance.
- Researches, compiles, organizes, and presents information regarding patent portfolio to licensing team.
- Manages an annual patent budget and approves expenditures for legal services.
- Coordinates recurring RFP process for external patent counsel in collaboration with KU Procurement and Office of the General Counsel.
- Advises licensing staff on patent matters.
- Ensures timely filing of patent applications, office action responses, and payment of fees.
- Ensures compliance with federal regulations regarding intellectual property.
- Remains current on changes to patent law.
- Educates faculty inventors and fellow KUCTC staff on intellectual property matters and relevant changes to patent law.
- Collaborates with college and departments to support a culture of innovation across KU's campuses.
- Serves as a team lead and mentor for lower-level intellectual property associates.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, physical science, engineering, or related field.
- Minimum five (5) years' experience with relevant technology transfer or patent law experience.
- Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, and other University stakeholders.
- Knowledge of US patent law and patent prosecution activities.
- Knowledge of US copyright and trademark law.
Nice-to-haves
- Advanced degree (MS, JD or equivalent) preferred.
- Prior experience in university technology transfer.
- Registration with the United States Patent & Trademark Office.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage begins on day one.
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
- Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, begins accruing upon hire.
- Ten paid holidays and one paid discretionary day after six months of employment.
- Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment.
- A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b).
