Associate Patent Attorney

Overview

This premier, IP-focused boutique law firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a Patent Attorney to support a robust portfolio of domestic and international patent matters. The practice is deeply rooted in patent preparation and prosecution, opinions, and strategic counseling for clients ranging from emerging innovators to established global companies.

The Patent Attorney will join a highly regarded team that works closely with inventors, in-house counsel, and business leaders to secure and protect patent rights in the United States and abroad. The role centers on drafting and prosecuting patent applications, conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses, and advising on portfolio and IP strategy in collaboration with experienced partners.

• Prepare, draft, and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications, including responding to Office Actions and engaging with USPTO examiners.
• Conduct prior art, patentability, validity, and infringement analyses and prepare written opinions and reports.
• Counsel clients on patent strategy, portfolio development, and risk management in alignment with business objectives.
• Work directly with inventors and technical teams to understand complex technologies and translate them into clear patent claims and specifications.
• Assist with IP due diligence, licensing, and transactional support as needed.
• As appropriate, support enforcement and defense of patent rights, including pre-litigation analysis and coordination with litigation teams.

• The firm is primarily seeking candidates in two technical tracks and is also open to strong candidates with a mechanical engineering background.
• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar.
• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a patent attorney.
• At least 3 years of substantive patent law experience, with a focus on preparation and prosecution of patent applications, opinions, and related counseling.

• Electrical Engineering track:
  • Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in electrical, electronics, software-related, or control systems technologies preferred.
• Materials Science or Chemistry track:
  • Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Experience with chemical, materials, polymers, coatings, or related technologies in patent prosecution strongly preferred.
• Mechanical (flexible, depending on candidate):
  • Candidates with a Mechanical Engineering degree and strong, relevant patent prosecution experience in mechanical or electromechanical technologies will also be considered.

• Strong technical writing skills and meticulous attention to detail in drafting specifications and claims.
• Excellent analytical ability, including assessing patentability, scope, and risk and clearly communicating these assessments to clients.
• Proven capability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a busy IP practice.
• Client-service orientation and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset and interest in contributing to a collegial, boutique firm environment.

• Position based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving regional, national, and international clients across diverse industries.
• Hybrid or flexible work arrangements may be available, depending on firm policy and candidate experience.

If you have an Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering background and at least three years of patent prosecution experience, this is an excellent opportunity to join a respected, specialized IP firm in West Michigan. Interested candidates please email resume to