Patent Attorney / Agent (Mechanical Engineering Focus) - Hybrid Minneapolis

Position Overview

Job Title: Intellectual Property Attorney / Patent Agent (Mechanical)

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The purpose of this role is to protect and advance clients’ innovations through thoughtful drafting, strategic prosecution, and proactive IP counseling. You will translate complex mechanical technologies into legally robust patent assets that drive business value, strengthen client outcomes by aligning IP strategy with commercial and operational goals, and support Billion & Armitage’s growth into a next-generation IP firm by leveraging AI, process improvement, and modern legal operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute high-quality mechanical patent applications and devise strategic prosecution plans.
• Conduct comprehensive patentability, freedom-to-operate, and prior art analyses to support client innovation.
• Advise clients on portfolio development and align IP filings with business, product, and competitive strategies.
• Collaborate with inventors, engineers, foreign associates, and internal teams to deliver timely, high-quality IP solutions.
• Stay current with legal developments and leverage modern AI tools to enhance workflow efficiency and IP strategies.

Required Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school or USPTO-registered Patent Agent credentials.
• Admission to the USPTO.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum 1+ year of patent prosecution experience (law firm or in-house), with demonstrated ability to draft and prosecute mechanical patent applications.
• Strong written, analytical, and communication skills.
• Commitment to the OTTER values and a collaborative culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electromechanical or mechanical systems.
• Exposure to litigation, post-grant proceedings, or contested matters.
• International prosecution or global portfolio management experience.
• Advanced engineering degree.
• Experience with AI-driven legal tools.
• Prior experience advising startups or inventors directly.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance