Patent Agent jobs in North Carolina

Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. We design and build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation, and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. For decades, Itron has been delivering critical energy and water infrastructure services to customers around the globe--and we're just getting started. Join us and help design the future of resource management.

Itron is currently looking for a Patent Agent to join our corporate law group. This position will be based in Raleigh, NC. As a Patent Agent at Itron, you will work with engineering, technology leaders, marketing, as well as internal and external legal staff on a variety of intellectual property matters, particularly the management and expansion of Itron's IP portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage patent preparation and prosecution conducted by outside counsel.
• Coordinate between product teams and R&D teams to align scope of pending and issued patent applications with current and future product roadmaps.
• Regularly review full IP docket and clear tasks with paralegal and/or docketing service.
• Conduct or manage prior art searches.
• Support Patent Review Committee / Portfolio Review, invention harvesting, and IP risk assessment meetings, including preparation and follow-up.
• Conduct or manage special IP projects (e.g., assignment recordation projects, etc.).
• Manage and update patent marking website.
• Research, analyze, and provide guidance on a variety of patent and IP-related issues.
• Counsel inventors/employees on IP-related inquiries and documentation development.
• Assist with article reviews, IP licensing, training, inventor recognition, budgeting, developing/refining tools, processes, policies, etc., for accomplishing the IP function's duties and responsibilities.

Required Experience & Skills:

• USPTO registration in good standing
• Minimum of 5 years of patent preparation/prosecution, w/ law firm experience preferred
• Strong technological background and familiarity with both hardware and software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and online research tools
• Familiarity with docketing systems (e.g., Foundation IP) and IP analytic tools (e.g., PatSnap) a plus

Education:

• BS degree (or other technical degree or experience) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, mechanical engineering, or related discipline
• Excellent academic credentials

Special Job Characteristics:

• High personal standards of excellence and capacity to learn rapidly
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well independently and with coworkers, sharing knowledge as part of a team
• Excellent project management, research, analytic and decision-making skills
• Detail-oriented and passionate on delivering projects on-time and on-budget
• Capable of handling sensitive information in the strictest of confidence
• Adaptability to work with different personalities and changing priorities

Travel: 5-10%

Physical Demands: This is a typical office job, with no special physical requirements or unusual work environment.

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an . If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email .

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions. We provide smart networks, software, services, meters, and sensors to better manage electricity, gas, water and city services. We are dedicated to creating a more resourceful world.

#LI-MC3