Trademark Paralegal - Chicago, IL

ADM - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods

About the position

The Trademark Paralegal position at ADM in Chicago, IL, is a critical role within the Legal, Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, and Corporate Security department. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of experience as a trademark paralegal, preferably in a law firm or corporate law group. This role requires an excellent work ethic and strong organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize a high volume of deadline-intensive work. The Trademark Paralegal will assist with all aspects of trademark registration matters in both U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, including trademark prosecution, maintenance, renewals, conflicts, and chain-of-title. In addition to trademark registration, the paralegal will be responsible for conducting trademark clearance, which involves performing searches and analyzing search results. A basic knowledge of search tools, particularly Corsearch, and search strategy is preferred. The role also includes communication with and instruction to outside counsel and vendors, as well as assisting with document production, which encompasses researching, authenticating, gathering, and documenting trademark evidence. The paralegal will draft and prepare correspondence and legal documents for attorney review, process and record trademark assignments, and maintain the trademark database, preferably using Anaqua. The position requires exceptional written and oral communication skills, strong research and analytical abilities, and thorough attention to detail. Proficiency in various software programs, including Anaqua, MS Office, Adobe, and trademark database software, is essential. The candidate should be willing to learn and utilize new research and practice tools and techniques. This role is integral to the management of ADM's trademark portfolio and may involve assisting with other intellectual property-related projects as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of trademark registration matters in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, including trademark prosecution, maintenance, renewals, conflicts, and chain-of-title.
• Conduct trademark clearance, including performing searches and analyzing search results.
• Communicate with and instruct outside counsel and vendors.
• Assist with document production, including researching, authenticating, gathering, and documenting trademark evidence.
• Draft and prepare correspondence and legal documents for attorney review.
• Prepare, process, and record trademark assignments and related documents.
• Maintain the trademark database, including data entry and docketing deadlines.
• Manage information and document management, and recordkeeping.
• Prepare summaries and reports regarding trademark portfolio management as needed.
• Assist with other IP-related projects as necessary.

Requirements

• At least 5 years' experience as a trademark paralegal at a law firm or corporate law group.
• Excellent work ethic and organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize workload.
• Basic knowledge of U.S. trademark law and prosecution practice and foreign prosecution requirements.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills with thorough attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Anaqua, MS Office software programs, Adobe software, trademark database software, billing software (preferably ONIT), and document management software.

Nice-to-haves

• Basic knowledge of search tools (preferably Corsearch) and search strategy.
• Willingness to learn and use new research and practice tools and techniques.

Benefits

• Medical/Rx, dental, vision coverage.
• On-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account.
• 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan.
• Discounted employee stock purchasing program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off including paid holidays.
• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning and mentoring programs.