IP Docketing Coordinator

Dykema Gossett, PLLC, a leading national law firm, is recruiting for an Intellectual Property (IP) Docketing Coordinator in Bloomfield Hills (or other Michigan offices), San Antonio (or other Texas offices) or in Milwaukee.  The IP Docketing Coordinator provides timely and effective docketing support to the IP Practice Group to ensure excellent client and internal customer service. This role has primary responsibility for maintaining the IP Practice Group’s docketing system (currently PATTSY).  This role may also involve assisting with foreign filing inquiries using Global IP Estimator along with other tasks related to foreign associates. This role may also provide backup administrative assistance to other legal practice areas, as requested.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that incoming emails, physical mail, and faxes concerning patent and trademark matters are reviewed for due dates and that pertinent information and deadlines are timely docketed in the firm’s IP docketing system; proactively monitors due dates to ensure deadlines are timely met.
• Downloads electronic correspondence from the USPTO, the WIPO, foreign patent offices, and foreign associates and files same into the firm’s document management system (currently NetDocuments). 
• Updates dockets based on, for example, instructions received from firm attorneys, paralegals, and administrative assistants, as well as correspondence with firm clients and foreign associates.
• Circulates to appropriate attorneys incoming correspondence from the USPTO, the WIPO, foreign patent and trademark offices, and foreign associates.
• Reviews invoices and enters appropriate information in database (currently Corpay) to facilitate client billing process. 
• Reconciles the USPTO and WIPO deposit accounts and generates monthly reports.
• Responds to internal inquiries; prepares docket reports and searches as needed; participates in IP Practice Group and docketing team meetings.
• Opens and closes matters in the docketing system; assists with new client matter intake and outtake processes as requested.
• Assists with intake and transfers in connection with new clients, new bulk transfers from existing clients, attorney hires, attorney departures, or changes in counsel.  Assigns client and matter numbers. 
• Reviews all foreign associate statements to make sure they have been received. 
• Keeps the IP docketing system updated, including law updates and updates for any standard and supplemental modules/features.  Raises docketing issues, changes and questions to attorneys and practice group leaders as appropriate.  Communicate with vendor on software changes and other issues.
• Completes projects such as IP docketing system integrity checks and investigation of transferred files.
• Stays up to date on foreign trademark/patent law changes.
• Provides back-up support to docketing team, IP assistants, and other legal support staff as needed; may provide back-up support to litigation assistants and/or enter attorney hours into the timekeeper system, as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• High school diploma required; Associate’s degree or business or law-related studies/coursework preferred.
• At least 3 years of prior IP docketing experience required.
• Thorough understanding of domestic and foreign patent and trademark prosecution and lifecycles; working knowledge of US and International patent and trademark prosecution processes and their associated rules and procedures.
• Analytical reasoning skills and ability to interpret rules and instructions accurately.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work; excellent proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of docketing terminology, best practices, and patent & trademark laws.
• Ability to independently determine priority dates, calculate due dates, and verify terms in docketing database.
• Familiarity with various patent and trademark offices (USPTO, WIPO); experience working with docketing databases and navigating patent and trademark office websites.
• Exceptional computer skills with the ability to manipulate and analyze data.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, effective time management skills, excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, required.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all level of the firm from diverse backgrounds.
• Typing requirement of 55 wpm.

WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY

Dykema offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees both personally and professionally. This includes competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with flexible paid time off (PTO), holiday leave, and a retirement savings plan with profit sharing for eligible employees. Other benefits include flexible spending programs, health savings account, commuter benefits, and personal and parental leave programs. We prioritize work-life balance and offer wellness programs, and access to mental health support. Additionally, employees enjoy access to professional development programs, a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and various employee discounts and perks. We are committed to providing a benefits package that helps our team thrive and feel valued.

EEO STATEMENT

It is the Firm’s policy to provide employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis without regard to the individual’s age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, domestic partner relationship, physical characteristics, disability, or other protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances. 

Dykema will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the known disabilities of employees who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the jobs involved. 

It is the responsibility of every individual concerned with personnel actions, including management, supervision, recruiting, compensation, benefits, promotions, work assignments, and training, to ensure that these activities are administered consistent with the Firm’s goal of furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity.