Patent Docketing Coordinator

Overview

The PNNL Office of General Counsel is a group of dynamic legal professionals who counsel, advise, and proactively partner with managers and subject matter experts to provide innovative and risk-based solutions to achieve mission success. We understand that the work performed at PNNL is complex and embrace the challenge of finding innovative and compliant solutions while enabling cutting-edge research and development to take place.

We strive to build collaborative relationships of trust and serve as a reliable resource for overcoming challenges and resolving concerns while being ethical in all that we do.

The Patent Docking Administrator provides effective, accurate, and reliable administrative support to the intellectual property (IP) protection strategies of a multi-program national laboratory, ensuring timely and compliant management of patent and related IP matters.

• Work closely with IP attorneys, agents, and internal practitioners to maintain the IP docket in a current, accurate, and up-to-date status using specialized docketing software.
• Track, manage, and respond to correspondence from internal stakeholders, external counsel, and patent offices and maintain complete, accurate, and properly organized files, dockets, and records to ensure efficient retrieval and audit readiness.
• Coordinate filings, monitor deadlines, and support compliance with patent and IP filings prepared by internal IP practitioners, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal, contractual, and organizational deadlines.
• Maintain up-to-date records and documentation to support IP protection strategies and facilitate timely decision-making.
• Prepare and provide accurate and timely ad hoc reports that give patent practitioners clear insight into matters requiring attention or action.
• Support related office functions, including processing payments to outside associates and patent offices and providing supplemental information to commercialization and technology transfer staff.
• Participate as part of an integrated professional support team, engaging collaboratively with colleagues to achieve shared goals and address new challenges.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient, professional office operations and evolving organizational needs.
• Prepare, file, and track patent and IP-related documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and other relevant authorities.
• Support additional IP Office functions, including maintenance fee and annuity payments, reporting to government bodies, document preparation and tracking, and collaboration with Technology Transfer and commercialization teams.

• Knowledge of IP docketing processes, patent life cycles, and related administrative procedures.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines accurately.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills to effectively support internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work with sensitive, proprietary, and privileged information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability and willingness to support process improvements and adapt to new systems, tools, and workflows in a growth-focused environment.

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence 5 days/week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED and 6 years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• AA or higher and 4 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Law office experience, particularly in an IP Office.
• Patent docketing experience.
• Experience with IP databases and docketing systems (e.g., IP Manager).
• Experience preparing, filing, or tracking documents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Experience with annuity or maintenance fee payments.
• Experience supporting patent attorneys, agents, or other IP professionals.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Not Applicable

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your…