About Patterson + Sheridan, LLP
Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is a full-service intellectual property law firm seeking a Technical Advisor or Patent Agent to support our growing IP practice, with a focus on semiconductor technologies.
This position offers a strong platform for STEM graduates to apply their deep technical knowledge in a strategic legal context, working directly with inventors at innovation-driven technology companies while developing expertise in patent preparation and prosecution.
What You’ll Do
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Patent Drafting & Prosecution: Translate complex technical innovations into clear, precise legal documents and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO.
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Invention Analysis: Collaborate directly with corporate inventors, R&D teams, and patent attorneys to evaluate disclosures and identify patentable technical features.
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Strategic IP Development: Assist in managing global patent portfolios that align with client business and technology roadmaps.
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Technology Domain Exposure: Support projects spanning chip design, semiconductor fabrication tools, advanced packaging, device physics, metrology, and materials processing.
Required Education: Master’s (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a related field.
Technical Experience: Academic, laboratory, or industry experience in one or more of the following technical domains:
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Semiconductor device physics (e.g., CMOS, FinFET, GAA architectures)
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Semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., lithography, deposition, etch, CMP)
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Material characterization techniques and device fabrication tools
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Optics, photonics, optical metrology, or inspection systems
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Plasma physics, vacuum systems, or wafer processing equipment
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Advanced packaging, wafer bonding, or 3D integration
Written Communication: Demonstrated technical writing capability, supported by peer-reviewed publications, a master’s thesis, a doctoral dissertation, or formal technical reports.
Preferred Qualifications:
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USPTO Registration (Patent Agent) or eligibility/motivation to sit for the USPTO Patent Bar.
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Hands-on experience in cleanroom environments, device fabrication labs, or semiconductor equipment testing.
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Prior experience in a law firm, corporate IP department, or patent analysis role.
Office Locations
Full-time exempt position. Preferred primary location: Houston, TX
Additional office options: San Jose, CA | Orange County, CA | Waco, TX | Greensboro, NC | Huntsville, AL | Shrewsbury, NJ.
Compensation
The salary range for California-based applicants is $90,000 – $120,000. Compensation for candidates in other office locations will vary based on experience, location, and market conditions.
