Legal Specialist – IP Operations
Finance, Banking & Legal · Legal Services · Compliance & Regulatory · Intellectual Property · Paralegal Services
In short
Qualcomm seeks a detail-oriented Legal Specialist for its IP Operations team in San Diego. This full-time, on-site role supports patent prosecution activities, manages records, and ensures timely filings. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 1+ year of experience, or a Paralegal Certificate and 1+ year of experience, or a High School Diploma and 3+ years of relevant experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat is required.
Responsibilities
- Support U.S., PCT, and foreign patent prosecution activities by preparing, reviewing, filing, and maintaining patent-related documents and correspondence.
- Maintain accurate patent records and docket information by reviewing incoming correspondence, updating deadlines, monitoring actions, and ensuring patent matters are properly tracked.
- Assist with the preparation and electronic filing of patent applications and prosecution documents through Patent Center, ePCT, and other applicable filing systems.
- Prepare and process patent prosecution documentation, including Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), declarations, assignments, powers of attorney, preliminary amendments, issue fee payments, and requests for extensions of time.
- Coordinate with outside counsel and foreign associates to facilitate patent filings, obtain required documentation, and support compliance with U.S. and international patent requirements.
- Review and process incoming USPTO, foreign associate, and outside counsel correspondence, distribute materials to appropriate stakeholders, and assist with timely responses.
- Generate, maintain, and distribute docket reports and patent status reports.
- Enter, verify, and maintain patent data within docketing, records management, and other legal systems.
- Maintain accurate status updates, comments, action notes, and activity records within departmental systems.
- Conduct research and gather information from internal and external resources to support patent prosecution and legal operations.
- Maintain organized electronic records and documentation in accordance with departmental procedures and legal requirements.
- Support department initiatives and operational projects aimed at improving patent prosecution processes, data quality, reporting, and efficiency.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of process documentation, job aids, and standard operating procedures.
- Build effective working relationships with attorneys, patent agents, legal operations personnel, outside counsel, and foreign associates.
- Manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while meeting quality, accuracy, and timeliness expectations.
- Escalate issues, risks, or unusual circumstances to senior team members as appropriate.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and 1+ year of experience in a legal, intellectual property, or related professional environment; OR Paralegal Certificate and 1+ year of experience supporting legal or intellectual property activities; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 3+ years of experience in legal administration, docketing, intellectual property support, or a related field.
- Experience working in a corporate legal department or law firm environment.
- Basic knowledge of USPTO patent prosecution procedures, rules, and forms.
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and document management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage detailed work accurately and efficiently.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to understand and apply patent prosecution procedures, department processes, and legal requirements.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with attorneys, patent agents, outside counsel, foreign associates, and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to identify issues, gather relevant information, and follow established procedures to support effective problem resolution.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while maintaining accountability for individual assignments.
- Comfortable learning new systems, technologies, tools, and processes related to patent prosecution and legal operations.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs while maintaining a high level of service and professionalism.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience supporting U.S. and international patent prosecution activities.
- Knowledge of patent filing procedures, deadlines, and patent prosecution workflows.
- Experience using patent docketing systems, records management systems, and legal databases.
- Familiarity with USPTO Patent Center, ePCT, and other patent filing tools.
- Experience working with outside counsel and foreign associates.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data management tools.
- Ability to interpret patent correspondence, legal documents, and filing requirements.
- Experience supporting a high-volume patent portfolio in a corporate legal department or intellectual property law firm.
- Experience maintaining patent dockets, monitoring prosecution deadlines, and supporting docket-related reporting activities.
- Experience maintaining status records, action notes, and case documentation within patent docketing or case management systems.
Benefits
- Competitive annual discretionary bonus program
- Opportunity for annual RSU grants
- Highly competitive benefits package designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play
- Full-time position
- On-site role in San Diego
#Legal#Intellectual Property#Patent Prosecution#IP Operations#Legal Operations#San Diego#California
Company
Qualcomm
Job Posted
1 day ago
Employment Type
Full Time
WorkMode
On Site
Experience Level
Associate
Locations
San Diego, United States of America
Qualification
Bachelor, Diploma, No Formal Education
Applicants
Be an early applicant