Job profile


Description

An intellectual property paralegal – or IP paralegal works in the area of intellectual property law under the supervision of licensed/registered attorneys. IP Paralegals do not practice law, but they help in many aspects of intellectual property matters, including those involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and intellectual property litigation. IP Paralegals work for law offices, corporations, institutions, and government agencies preparing trademark, patent, and copyright applications, assisting with intellectual property litigation, and conducting related intellectual property research.


Tasks

The kind of tasks an IP paralegal might work on depend on the type of attorney he or she works for. An IP paralegal who works for an attorney who does patent prosecution might help draft the paperwork needed to be filed with a Patent Office in connection with a patent application for a new scientific invention. An IP paralegal who works for an attorney who does copyright law might help the attorney secure a copyright.
An IP Paralegal assists in delivering a quality service to client in an efficient and cost–effective manner by:

  • tracking, recoding and authenticating, and managing intellectual property rights and other intellectual property related agreements;
  • assisting with prosecution foreign patents;
  • tracking and reporting of royalties of license agreements
  • online patent and trademark searching;
  • maintenance and reporting of patent metrics;
  • preparation of cost/revenue reports and various projects.

Workplace

  • Law offices
  • Corporations
  • Governmental agencies

Education

Max. 3 year apprenticeship (taking into account previous qualifications and training, a reduction is possible)


Required graduation

  • Realschule (secondary school 10th grade)
  • Abitur (secondary school 12th / 13th grade)

Skills

  • Proficient language skills in German and English in writing and speaking
  • French is beneficial