IP Conflicts Analyst
Cooley is seeking an IP Conflicts Analyst to join the Business Intake and Conflicts team.
About Cooley: Cooley is a global law firm with an expansive practice and more than 3,000 employees and partners worldwide. We value and celebrate diverse perspectives and strive to create a workplace where every individual can thrive. At the core of Cooley’s success is the exceptional talent and unwavering spirit of our people. We embrace individuality while fostering a ‘one-firm’ culture where collaboration and creativity thrive. Our people are the foundation of our success and the driving force behind everything we do.
Hybrid Schedule Philosophy: As part of the Cooley culture, we recognize and appreciate the value of being together, in person, to build comradery with others in the office and to be a contributing member of the Cooley office. However, we also appreciate the benefits and flexibility that come from remote working. As such, the default assumption for employees and partners is a hybrid schedule: some in-office presence and some work from home days absent certain essential in-office roles that require five (5) days/week in-office.
Position summary: The IP Conflicts Analyst is responsible for the identification, analysis, and resolution of all IP conflicts requests, using independent judgment and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the business needs when clearing incoming IP work and candidates. The IP Conflicts Analyst also supports the IP Team Lead by searching the parties, subject matter and all relevant patent information associated with IP requests. In addition, the IP Conflicts Analyst helps identify and facilitate resolutions for potential IP issues with selected IP partners and submitters. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Position responsibilities:
- Analyze and process all conflict requests with an emphasis on IP-related matters to ensure that all firm engagements and hires are clear from a business and ethical perspective
- Prepare database search terms and create conflicts reports for related parties, for all requests including high volume, bulk searches
- Process new IP patent prosecution requests with special attention to subject matter and technology issues
- Perform corporate research to confirm the identity of all related parties and address any potential conflicts or high-profile issues
- Identify potential subject matter overlap conflict issues, identify existing and potential conflicts for each request by reviewing and analyzing conflicts reports and supporting documents
- Understand and interpret database results and conflicts reports for firm partners, counsel, attorneys and business professionals
- Prepare concise, comprehensive descriptions of prospective conflicts landscape based on the rules of professional conduct for attorneys and other submitters
- Interact regularly with partners - through email and telephone to investigate and discuss potential issues and propose solutions in connection with conflict clearances
- Provide regular updates to responsible attorneys and other users regarding conflicts in connection with new matters
- Maintain conflicts resolution notes and responses for each request
- Request waivers for all matters requiring consent and confirm that all conflicts have been resolved
- Draft conflict waivers and engagement letters, as necessary
- Inform and advise firm attorneys and counsel of any special circumstances surrounding complicated requests
- Collaborate with the IP Team Lead and other BIC Analysts and Specialists on workflow, subject matter and conflicts training for all IP personnel
- Proactively participate in internal BIC IP training opportunities to expand knowledge and service on an ongoing basis
- Serve as key point of contact for IP Services on all matters of legal conflict and subject matter conflicts
- Draft and implement necessary ethical screens
- Awareness of current legal trends and information
- Perform conflicts case law and legal ethics research
- Provide conflicts training for secretaries, practice team assistants and other business professionals, as needed
- All other duties as assigned or required
Skills and experience:
Required:
- After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
- Available to work overtime (including weekends if not part of ones dedicated schedule), as required
- Proficiency in IntApp Open and Contract Express or similar programs
- 2+ years conflicts and/or IP-related experience
- Knowledge of American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct and California State Bar Association’s Rules of Professional Conduct
- Overall understanding of a corporate law practice
- Experience conducting legal and corporate research
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher-level degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or engineering
- Knowledge and experience with IP conflicts resolution
- Paralegal Certificate preferred or completion of an ethics course in paralegal program
- Prior experience as a paralegal or legal researcher in a law firm
- Possess working knowledge of rules according to the 37 C.F.R, MPEP, PCT Rules and Regulations, Manual of Industrial Property, foreign patent prosecution rules
- Knowledge and experience with complete conflicts resolution strongly preferred
- Experience conducting research at a law firm
Competencies:
- Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
- Good judgment, strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Strong organizational skills with attention to details
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, challenging environment
- Able to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks
- Capable of and comfortable with communicating professionally with attorneys, directors, and managers
- Ability to take on time sensitive matters while recognizing legal ethical rules
- Excellent customer service skills
Cooley offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits package and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. EOE.
The expected hourly pay range for this position with a work schedule of 40 hours per week is $37.00 - $53.00 ($76,960.00 - $110,240.00 annually). Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience and skillset of the candidate.
We offer a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, long-term care coverage, backup care for children and/or adults and other parental support benefits. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive firm-paid life insurance, AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as 20 days of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) and 10 paid holidays each year. We provide generous parental leave and fertility benefits. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources.
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