Patent Docket Specialist

Patent Docket Specialist – Merck, Rahway, NJ (Hybrid: 3 days onsite, 2 days remote)

Salary Range
: $87,300.00 – $ (annual) with annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

• Review, interpret and monitor all incoming communications from U.S., PCT, and International Patent offices as well as internal docketing email and correspondence.
• Accurately create and maintain patent and invention disclosure case records within the docketing system.
• Accurately enter prosecution deadlines into the docketing system in accordance with established procedures.
• Electronically file relevant case‑related documentation into a document management system in accordance with established procedures.
• Review amended patent rules and docketing procedures to ensure all prosecution requirements are met.
• Detect and correct data and record management inconsistencies utilizing U.S. and International Patent and Trademark Office databases when appropriate.
• Monitor all due dates to ensure deadlines are timely met, analyzing internal correspondence to ensure appropriate docket removal of completed items.
• Generate dockets and assist attorneys, paralegals, and other support staff in the preparation of reports from the docketing system.
• Assist in managing patent acquisitions, divestitures, and legal entity charge projects.
• Assist in operational excellence initiatives, making appropriate recommendations for work processes as needed.

• High School diploma or equivalent required;
  Associate degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of patent docketing experience in a law firm or in‑house legal department.
• Substantive knowledge of U.S., PCT, and foreign patent prosecution principles, strategies, and technology.
• Experience working with global IP portfolios.
• Advanced proficiency with docketing systems and U.S. and International Patent and Trademark Office databases including USPTO’s Patent Center, EPAS, and WIPO.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Extraordinary accuracy and attention to detail in analysis and communications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, self‑motivated, and able to excel in a team environment.
• Strong time‑management skills, able to prioritize multiple tasks efficiently in a high‑volume environment to meet all deadlines.

• Specific experience supporting pharmaceutical or biotechnology patent prosecution.
• Prior experience with Clarivate’s The IP Management System (TIPMS) or IPManager and/or First­to‑File.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.