Patent Attorney (mechanical background) - ($120k - $200K) | Minneapolis, MN

Patent Attorney (mechanical background)

• ($120k
• $200K) | Minneapolis, MN ProForce Innovations
• 4.0 Minneapolis, MN Job Details Full-time $120,000
• $200,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Free parking Health insurance On-site gym Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Teamwork Legal writing Writing skills Patent law Process improvement Attention to detail Legal research Drafting Time management

Full Job Description Position Overview Job Title:

Intellectual Property Attorney (Mechanical)

Department:

Patent Prosecution & IP Strategy Job Classification:

Full-time, Exempt Location:

Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)

Reports To:

Partner, Patent Prosecution Compensation:

$120k

• $200k per year, commensurate with experience

Start Date:

ASAP Position Profile:

https://proforceco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Billion-Armitage-Intellectual-Property-Attorney-Mechanical-Position-Profile-v2.03.pdf Total Rewards Overview [E] https://proforceco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Billion-Armitage-Total-Rewards-Overview-E-v1.03.pdf Position Purpose The purpose of this role is to, Protect and advance clients' innovations through thoughtful drafting, strategic prosecution, and proactive IP counseling. Translate complex mechanical technologies into legally robust patent assets that drive business value. Strengthen client outcomes by aligning IP strategy with commercial, competitive, and operational goals. Support Billion & Armitage's growth into a next-generation IP firm by leveraging AI, process improvement, and modern legal operations. Collaborate with attorneys, staff, and foreign associates to deliver high-quality, timely work in a hybrid, relationship-centric environment. Ultimately, this role ensures clients receive strategic, business-aligned IP solutions-not just filings-advancing the firm's mission of building Intellectual Property that Drives Business.

• About Billion & Armitage Billion & Armitage is a boutique, high-performing intellectual property law firm known for its warmth, clarity, and OTTER values
• Ownership, Teamwork, Timely Communication, Effective Productivity, and Respect.

Discover more in our Benefits, Total Rewards and Perks overview. Key Duties and Responsibilities Organized into strategic functional domains. Patent Prosecution & Drafting Draft high-quality patent applications for mechanical and electromechanical systems, devices, and processes. Develop prosecution strategies that balance protection, speed, and cost efficiency. Prepare responses to USPTO Office Actions, including complex rejections. Manage international prosecution workflows with foreign counsel across multiple jurisdictions. Conduct claim analysis, amendments, and examiner interviews with clarity and strategic reasoning. Patentability, Prior Art, and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis Conduct patentability assessments supporting client R D and investment decisions. Perform FTO, landscape, and competitive intelligence analysis for product launches and strategic planning. Synthesize technical and legal findings into clear, actionable client reports. Client Strategy & Portfolio Management Advise clients on portfolio development, maintenance, and prioritization. Align IP filings with business goals, product roadmaps, and competitive positioning. Participate in portfolio strategy sessions with clients and internal teams. Identify opportunities for continuation practice, divisional filings, and claim expansion. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Client Advisory Work directly and frequently with inventors, engineers, founders, and executives. Serve as a problem-solving partner to clients, translating technical concepts into legal strategy. Collaborate closely with Billion & Armitage attorneys, paralegals, and leadership to ensure coordinated, timely deliverables. Engage with foreign associates and international partners to support multi-jurisdictional IP needs. Research, Analysis & Legal Interpretation Monitor legal developments in mechanical, electromechanical, and AI-adjacent technologies. Interpret court decisions, USPTO guidelines, and regulatory changes impacting client portfolios. Provide internal knowledge-sharing as part of the firm's collaborative learning culture. Professional Development & Continuous Learning Participate in Billion & Armitage's extensive mentorship and training programs, including twice-weekly team meetings and monthly attorney seminars. Develop expertise in AI-enabled legal workflows and emerging IP technologies. Support thought leadership initiatives and client education activities when needed.

• Performance Objectives First 90 Days Become fully integrated into Billion & Armitage's workflows, systems, AI toolsets, and OTTER-based culture.

Manage a small set of prosecution matters under mentorship and supervision. Demonstrate consistent communication, responsiveness, and document quality. Establish strong working relationships with attorneys, paralegals, and leadership. First 6 Months Independently draft high-quality mechanical patent applications with minimal revisions. Manage a diverse prosecution docket consisting of office action responses, filings, and examiner interactions. Deliver client-ready analyses (patentability, FTO, landscape) supported by sound reasoning and technical clarity. Show strong ownership and professional maturity across all assigned matters. First 12 Months Serve as a strategic advisor for key client portfolios. Increase efficiency and output through AI and workflow optimization tools. Contribute to firm initiatives such as improving templates, training junior team members, or refining internal processes. Demonstrate measurable alignment with OTTER values in daily performance and client outcomes.

• Capabilities, Skills & Competencies Technical Capabilities Patent application drafting (mechanical and electromechanical).

USPTO prosecution strategy and office action response expertise. FTO and patentability search analysis. Familiarity with international patent processes (PCT, EP, JP, CN, etc.). Understanding of AI-assisted legal research and drafting tools (e.g., Enterprise ChatGPT). Behavioral Competencies Strong follow-through and accountability. Clear, respectful, and timely communication with clients and colleagues. Collaborative mindset aligned with Billion & Armitage's no-ego, no-drama culture. High integrity, professionalism, and respect for client confidentiality. Cognitive Abilities Analytical reasoning and synthesis of complex technical concepts. Strong judgment, including risk identification and decision-making. Ability to distill technical information into client-friendly language. Professional Service Skills Responsiveness consistent with boutique-firm expectations. Excellent time management and prioritization in a hybrid workload. Accuracy and attention to detail in all written materials. Comfort advising clients and interacting with inventors, engineers, and executives.

• 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 closely related field. Minimum 1+ year of patent prosecution experience (law firm or in-house). 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.

• Industry Background This role is tailored for candidates experienced in Boutique or mid-size IP law environments where collaboration and mentorship are core.

Mechanical engineering industries, including manufacturing, robotics, medical devices, and automation. IP prosecution for early-stage and enterprise clients, requiring broad technical versatility. International IP coordination, managing foreign associates and understanding global filing strategies. The nature of Billion & Armitage's client mix provides deep exposure to both prosecution and cross-functional IP strategy work.

• Core Competencies Aligned to OTTER Values Ownership Takes responsibility for deadlines, work quality, and professional development.

Operates with autonomy while knowing when to escalate or collaborate. Teamwork Contributes to a supportive, respectful, low-drama environment. Collaborates easily across attorneys, paralegals, and leadership. Timely Communication Maintains proactive communication with clients and internal teams. Provides clear status updates and meets agreed-upon timelines. Effective Productivity Uses modern tools-including AI like Spellbook, Harvey AI, Diligen, Hyperstart, Legora etc to enhance speed, quality, and output. Manages docket responsibilities efficiently and accurately. Respect Treats clients and colleagues with professionalism, empathy, and clarity. Participates in the firm's personable, relationship-focused culture.

• Work Environment Hybrid Work Structure Flexible hybrid schedule with onsite collaboration and remote productivity.

Free parking, onsite fitness center, and onsite restaurant within the building. Modern technology environment with enterprise-level AI tools. Cultural Environment Twice-weekly Teams meetings focused on alignment, priorities, and human connection. Monthly firm lunches, board game lunches, brewery walks, annual firm meetings, and community service events. Warm, low-ego, supportive culture-no "brilliant jerks" or big-firm drama. Training & Professional Development Monthly attorney training seminars. Hands-on mentorship from senior attorneys and firm leadership. Opportunities to participate in client meetings and external speaking engagements. Collaboration Norms High-access, low-hierarchy firm structure. Paralegals and attorneys collaborate closely, with respect and shared ownership. Strong focus on knowledge-sharing, quality, and continuous improvement.

Pay:

$120,000.00

• $200,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

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

Experience:

drafting and prosecuting

Mechanical/Physics Patents:

2 years (Required)

Location:

Minneapolis, MN 55439 (Required)

Work Location:

In person