Description:
At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead.Rite-Hite is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. In this position, you will play a critical role in supporting our legal department's intellectual property function, with a particular emphasis on growing and protecting the company's innovation through patents and designs.
In this role, you will:
- Utilize extensive patent expertise to implement and execute patent prosecution strategies focused on strengthening claims that align with specific business goals and potential enforcement scenarios
- Support and drive IP strategy, collaborating with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment with business goals
- Monitor, analyze, identify opportunities leveraging patent trends and emerging complex technology trends in key areas relevant to the business
- Conduct ideation and patent harvesting activities to identify invention disclosures and innovation opportunities that support the business strategy
- Conduct and/or direct patent search and analysis efforts related to freedom-to-operate, patentability, partnerships, and competitive intelligence
- Partner with outside counsel in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, with a focus on mechanical, automation, controls, and related technologies
- Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance innovation and patent culture across the company
- Support IP enforcement matters, including providing technical expertise and patent analysis
- Provide cross-functional support in areas involving intercompany agreements, licensing, contracts, and ownership
Qualifications:
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline
- Minimum of at least 6 years of patent experience in a corporate legal department or IP law firm preferred
- Expert knowledge of U.S. and international patent filing, prosecution, and maintenance requirements
- Strong experience with patent searching, drafting, and prosecution
- Technical versatility and ability to work across a wide range of technologies
- Detail-oriented and analytical with excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively and proactively partner with legal, technical, and business teams
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with competitive monitoring a plus
- Manufacturing or engineering industry experience a plus