About The Role

Location: Indianapolis, INExperience: 2-4 yearsPractice Area: Intellectual Property – Patent Prosecution (Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering)Barnes & Thornburg’s nationally recognized intellectual property practice delivers the strength of a powerhouse IP boutique housed within a full-service AmLaw 100 firm. With 125+ dedicated IP attorneys and agents, we have one of the largest and most technically skilled IP teams in the country, earning consistent recognition in Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and IP Stars. Our practitioners advise clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies, who call us "the absolute best" and their "go-to for all things intellectual property."Position OverviewWe are seeking an associate with 2-4 years of experience to join our highly regarded Intellectual Property Department in Indianapolis. The ideal candidate will have a mechanical engineering background with electrical engineering drafting experience and familiarity with wireless device hardware including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies within a collaborative, high-performing team.Key ResponsibilitiesPrepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applicationsDraft patent applications, including specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions, for inventions relating to consumer electronics hardware and electromechanical systemsConduct prior art searches and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses, including clearance opinions for product launchesRespond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy in coordination with partners and clientsConduct inventor interviews and distill complex technical subject matter into clear, precise patent disclosureSupport due diligence efforts related to patent portfolios in transactions and licensing mattersAssist with post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and reexamination, as neededManage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file recordsRequirements:Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, with strong academic achievementRegistration in good standing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeMember of the bar in the state where the position is based, or eligibility for admissionBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firmDemonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both mechanical and electrical engineering subject matterStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage a substantial docket and meet competing deadlinesDetail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work productPreferred Qualifications:Substantive familiarity with wireless device hardwareExperience with patent clearance and freedom-to-operate projectsExperience managing patent portfoliosExperience supporting patent opinion letter preparationFamiliarity with non-infringement and invalidity analysesExperience assisting with patent due diligence for corporate transactions and M&A mattersAdvanced degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field is a plusWe will not consider resumes submitted by external agencies or recruiters for this position. Recruiters and agencies will not be compensated for assisting Barnes & Thornburg LLP in recruiting for this position, regardless of whether such party has a recruiting contract with us.Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.