Patent Agent

A growing Bay Area intellectual property boutique is seeking a Patent Agent to support its patent prosecution practice on a contract-to-hire basis. The firm is also open to considering Patent Attorneys with strong patent prosecution experience aligned with the needs of the practice. This role supports a broad range of startup, SaaS, ecommerce, software, consumer product, and emerging technology clients within a collaborative, entrepreneurial boutique environment. The firm is seeking a practitioner who can proactively manage prosecution workflow, communicate directly with inventors and clients, and help move matters forward independently from intake through prosecution.This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking substantive responsibility, direct client interaction, and long-term growth within a lean IP practice.Key Responsibilities:Prepare and prosecute U.S. utility and design patent applications across software, SaaS, ecommerce, consumer products, and related technologies Draft Office Action responses, including responses involving §§101, 102, 103, and 112 rejections Manage active patent prosecution workflow and monitor upcoming deadlines through the USPTO Patent Center and internal docket systems Coordinate directly with inventors, founders, engineers, and clients regarding invention disclosures, prosecution updates, filing strategies, and action items Conduct invention intake discussions and assist with ongoing portfolio development efforts Prepare filing correspondence, prosecution reports, IDS filings, and related prosecution documentation Conduct prior art review, patentability analysis, and related IP research as needed Assist with continuation, divisional, CIP, and broader prosecution strategy matters Support broader IP matters including FTO analysis, due diligence, portfolio review, and prosecution history analysis Collaborate closely with firm leadership within a lean, fast-moving boutique environment