Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property

Join to apply for the Sr. Paralegal, Intellectual Property role at GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

We offer a competitive benefits package.

The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17‑acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 800 of its 3,400 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well‑being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

The

Location:

This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters.

What To Expect:

• Competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401‑K plans.
• Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits.

The Environment:

• On‑site cafe – affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks!
• Electric vehicle charging stations on‑site.
• Ergonomic assessments offered on‑site and virtually.

Job Overview: We are looking for an experienced Intellectual Property Senior Paralegal to join our in‑house legal team. In this role, you will support the management and protection of the company’s global IP portfolio, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. You will work closely with the Legal Affairs team, business stakeholders, and external counsel to help safeguard and grow our valuable IP assets.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative, business‑focused environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the Institute’s brand and innovation strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and maintain the company’s domestic and international trademark and patent portfolios.
• Coordinate and track filings, renewals, and deadlines with outside counsel.
• Monitor IP watch notices, assist with clearance searches, and support enforcement efforts.
• Maintain IP records and databases, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
• Assist with IP‑related agreements, audits, and due diligence projects.
• Provide general support on copyright, licensing, and other IP matters as needed.
• Conflict resolution: settle differences in productive ways while minimizing disruptions.
• Mentoring: share and transfer knowledge locally and globally.
• Computer skills: strong knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, and 5+ years of IP paralegal experience in a law firm and/or corporate legal department; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program required.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international trademark and patent systems, procedures and filings (e.g., USPTO, WIPO, EUIPO).
• Experience managing IP databases/docketing systems.
• Proficiency in IP docketing systems.

Additional Requirements: Hybrid work schedule. Required to work at least 3 days at Carlsbad, CA office.

Work Environment / Physical Demands: Work is performed in a designated professional office workstation and environment. Extensive use of office equipment to include computer, calculator, copier, fax, and other business‑related machines and software.

Salary Range: $82,000 – $117,000 annually.

An Equal Opportunity

Employer:

All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at‑will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

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