Intellectual Property ("IP") Docket Specialist

Taft is seeking an Intellectual Property (“IP”) Docket Specialist to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced IP Docket Specialist with a strong background in patent docketing to support the firm’s Intellectual Property Docketing Team. The IP Docket Specialist is responsible for accurately managing U.S. and international patent deadlines, maintaining the integrity of the firm’s IP docketing system, supporting attorneys and IP professionals, and ensuring timely completion and reporting of docketed deadlines. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a high volume of time-sensitive matters. All Taft employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy—in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

• Coordinate all aspects of IP docketing for U.S. and international IP portfolios, with a primary focus on patent prosecution matters.
• Monitor and maintain critical filing, response, and statutory deadlines to ensure timely action by attorneys and IP team members.
• Prepare and distribute docket reports as requested by attorneys and legal teams to ensure that all deadlines are met. Maintain direct contact with internal clients to ensure daily docket deadlines are satisfied.
• Enter, update, audit, and clear filing deadlines, reminders, and related docket activities in the firm’s docketing system Foundation IP (FIP).
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the docket database to create specialized reports and make appropriate changes, as necessary.
• Assist with the intake, review, and auditing of transferred Intellectual Property matters and electronic case records.
• Review incoming correspondence and filings for docketing requirements and ensure appropriate deadlines and activities are entered accurately and timely.
• Maintain knowledge of trends, developments, and legislative rulings impacting all IP procedures and regulations.
• Communicate with the USPTO and, as appropriate, foreign intellectual property offices or other relevant authorities to confirm procedural requirements and deadlines.
• Identify opportunities to improve docketing policies, procedures, and workflows and recommend operational enhancements.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. patent terminology, prosecution procedures, and statutory and procedural deadlines.
• Working knowledge of foreign patent prosecution procedures, deadlines, and docketing requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of docketing software. Foundation IP (FIP) is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local intellectual property laws and regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.

• Some education beyond high school required; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• At least seven (5) years of related patent docketing experience preferred.
• Experience with Foundation IP (FIP) docketing system preferred.

Taft is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this posting presents general duties, tasks, and responsibilities but is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP participates in E-VERIFY.

Careers at Taft

Our employees are people who thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced work environment. Taft’s lawyers and professional staff believe strongly in the value of our legal work. We believe that client service is our first, and most important, job. At Taft, success is measured in more than billable hours. This philosophy allows us to be active participants and leaders in our communities. Taft can help you create a long, rewarding, and meaningful career.

In addition, Taft is a signatory to the American Bar Association Well-Being Pledge, designed to support mental health and overall well-being for Taft’s attorneys and staff through education, firm policies, and intentional workplace culture.

We integrate inclusion into the fabric of what we do. We look for talented, dynamic, and innovative thinkers for our legal team. If you’re interested in joining our team, we encourage you to review our open positions and learn more about our firm.

Inclusion and Opportunity

Taft knows that people with varied experiences bring creative thinking, multiple perspectives, and innovative problem-solving techniques to issues in the practice of law. We are committed to fostering a culture among our attorneys and professional support staff that values different points of view from all team members.

Mentoring and Retention

No matter how talented or well educated, becoming a successful lawyer requires input and support from people who have already achieved that success. Research shows that careers profit from having someone in your corner. We want to be a champion for your career. Learn how Taft supports and emphasizes mentorship programs, as well as individual mentoring and sponsoring for our attorneys.

Professional Development

We grow when our employees thrive, so we make it a priority to provide the tools and resources our team needs to succeed. See how Taft can support your professional growth.