Patent Agent

A growing Bay Area intellectual property boutique is seeking a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney to support its patent prosecution practice on a contract-to-hire basis. This role supports a diverse portfolio of startup and emerging growth clients across software, AI, SaaS, ecommerce, consumer products, and related technologies. The team is seeking a practitioner who can own prosecution workflow end-to-end, communicate directly with inventors and clients, and operate with a high level of independence in a fast-moving environment. This is a strong opportunity for someone seeking hands-on responsibility, direct client exposure, and long-term growth within a lean IP practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. utility and design patent applications across software, AI, SaaS, ecommerce, and related technologies
• Prepare Office Action responses, including arguments addressing §§101, 102, 103, and 112
• Manage an active prosecution docket, including tracking deadlines via USPTO Patent Center and internal systems
• Act as a primary point of contact for inventors, founders, engineers, and clients on assigned matters
• Conduct invention intake discussions and support ongoing portfolio development
• Prepare prosecution-related materials, including IDS filings, client correspondence, and status reporting
• Perform prior art review, patentability analysis, and legal research as needed
• Support continuation, divisional, and broader prosecution strategy
• Assist with additional IP matters, including FTO analysis, due diligence, and portfolio review
• Collaborate directly with firm leadership in a lean, entrepreneurial environment

Qualifications:

• Active USPTO Patent Agent registration required
• Patent Attorneys with strong patent prosecution experience will be considered
• 2+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage prosecution matters from drafting through Office Action response
• Experience managing competing deadlines in a client-facing environment
• Strong written communication, organization, and ownership mindset
• Technical background in engineering, computer science, software, mechanical engineering, or related disciplines preferred
• Experience with software, AI, SaaS, ecommerce, marketplace, or consumer product technologies strongly preferred
• Ability to work autonomously while maintaining clear and consistent client communication
• Comfort communicating directly with startup founders, inventors, and engineering teams preferred
• Interest in working with startup and growth-stage companies

Additional Details

• Contract-to-hire opportunity with long-term growth potential
• Bay Area candidates preferred, though qualified remote candidates will be considered
• Onsite onboarding may be preferred for local candidates; remote arrangements may be considered for experienced practitioners who can immediately contribute with minimal ramp-up
• Confidential search

Compensation

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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Robert Half will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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