Intellectual Property Paralegal
Lawson Lundell LLP is a leading regional Canadian business law firm with offices in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Yellowknife. The firm is recognized and respected by its peers in legal and business publications and was recently named one of BC's Top Employers for 2024. Business in Vancouver also recognized Lawson Lundell LLP as the fastest growing law firm in Western Canada.
Lawson Lundell LLP is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Paralegal (CCPA, CCTA)
join our busy IP Practice, in our Kelowna office. The successful candidate is an enthusiastic and hardworking team player who would like to work with lawyers in this practice group. The regular working hours for this role are Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Although, ideally the candidate would work out of our Kelowna, we would consider other arrangements in other locations.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Work alongside patent and trademark agents with respect to filing, prosecution, registration and maintenance of patents and trademark applications including but not limited to utility patents, design patents, industrial designs, trademarks before the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and foreign patent offices with the assistance of foreign agents and paralegals in those countries.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with preparation of correspondence and legal documentation relating to patents and trademarks
- Assist with preparation and filing of patent applications direct with CIPO, USPTO, WIPO and indirectly with foreign patent offices worldwide
- Assist with prosecution of patent applications by drafting and filing government submissions, paying applicable government fees and reporting actions to clients
- Coordinate exchange of information between agents for foreign patent/trademark application filings
- Coordinate and attend to foreign patent and trademark office requirements including federal embassy requirements
- Manage the docketing of government and client deadlines throughout the patent and trademark lifecycle
- Compile, verify, record, process prosecution documents, assignments and other patent and trademark related documentation as required
- Organize and coordinate workflow pertaining to management of patent and trademark matters
- Maintain filing systems in order to properly mange patent portfolios
- Prepare reporting letters and emails pertaining to patent and trademark application progress and milestones
- Assist with, track and manage time entries
- Provide clients with patent related facts and information
- Provide clients with initial information including but not limited to, patent and trademark lifecycle, common procedures, schedules, estimates, expectations and expected resistance pertaining to patent and trademark related progress and milestones
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Secondary duties and responsibilities of the role. Include any direct and indirect supervision.
- Schedule meetings, work trips and functions for lawyers
- Expense reports for lawyers
- Manage incoming trust funds
- Assist with payment of invoices
- Maintain organization of files within iManage and WebTMS
- Manage aged A/R report and provide reminders for same
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong ability to prioritize duties and deadlines
- Ability to handle stress in an effective manner
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and self-set priorities both at home and in the office
- Legal Assistant Certificate
- It would be considered an asset to have some of these accreditations
- Certified Canadian Patent Administrator
- Certified Trademark Administrator
- Member of IPIC
- Knowledge of the Canadian Patent Act, Canadian Trademark Act, Patent Rules, Manuel of Patent Office Practice (MOPOP), Trademarks Guide, United States Patent Rules, Patent Laws, Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) and the Regulations Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty
The typical salary range for this position is $58,000 - $78,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal and market equity.
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Health Benefits: extended health, dental, vision, out of country, life, AD&D.
- Lifestyle Benefit: reimbursement for purchases from a pre-approved list, including memberships and gym equipment.
- Paid Time Off: vacation time starts at 3 weeks, personal days, sick time, and a volunteer day every year.
- Paid Parental leave top up.
- Education Reimbursement: we are committed to continued growth and development, and our educational reimbursement policy provides opportunity for our staff to expand on their skills and knowledge.
- Financial Benefits: defined contribution pension plan matched by the firm, RRSP, TFSA, year-end bonuses and an employee referral bonus program.
- Fun Environment: annual year end party, happy hours, staff appreciation week, and many other social events.
- Awards: long term service and bonus vacation awards.
What to expect
- A commitment to diversity and inclusiveness; we believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace benefits both our firm and clients
- An environment where constant learning is encouraged
- A fun and collaborative work environment
- A team of unique individuals who will help take your skills and experience to the next level
- A commitment to providing a discrimination-free and harassment-free workplace environment
We support equal opportunities for all applicants and encourage all people of visible minorities, including Indigenous applicants, and those of any religion, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to apply.
If you are a professional, motivated hardworking team player with a positive outlook and would like to share your expertise with us, please submit your resume with a cover letter here.
Although we thank all applicants for their interest in Lawson Lundell LLP, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.