Patent Agents

Our patent agents apply their technical backgrounds and patent experience to work on matters in the technologies that are shaping innovation today.

The world’s most innovative companies trust Sterne Kessler with their most complex intellectual property matters. We are passionate about innovation and technology, and committed to our clients and our culture. While we are proud to receive numerous industry awards each year, we measure our success by the success of our people and our clients. As a patent agent, you will leverage your technical background and patent experience to work with companies at the cutting edge of science and technology.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we offer unmatched training and development opportunities in an inclusive, collaborative environment. You will work with and be trained by lawyers who have directly influenced patent law, and you will have the opportunity to forge a long-term career at a firm that values you as an individual.

If Sterne Kessler sounds like the place for you, explore our current openings.

The Sterne Kessler Experience

We’re not your average IP firm. We are passionate about IP and are highly sought-out for our expertise as thought leaders and strategic advisors. We are committed to developing a team that strives for excellence, both in the quality of work and client service.

Patent agents join Sterne Kessler because we offer the opportunity to work on patent matters in the technologies that are shaping innovation today. Through direct mentorship and training from some of the leading patent lawyers, our patent agents are able to apply their technical backgrounds and prior patent experience to help us achieve the most favorable outcomes for our clients. We also offer flexible, long-term career paths that allow for growth and transition as your individual needs and goals evolve.

Student Associates

For those patent agents who are interested in becoming lawyers, we offer a law school tuition program for qualified individuals to attend law school while working full-time. Sterne Kessler student associates typically work as patent agents on a reduced billable hour goal while attending law school part-time.

Our Cutting-Edge Clients

Sterne Kessler works with some of the most innovative companies in the world across a wide range of industries. Our clients are making discoveries, building brands, and creating inventions that impact our daily lives. If working with companies like 23andMe, AstraZeneca, BioNTech, Thule, SAP, and Volkswagen—to name a few—sounds interesting, you’ve come to the right place.

Benefits & Wellness

Sterne Kessler is proud to offer its employees a comprehensive, industry-leading package of high-quality benefits. From healthcare coverage to retirement investments and family leave, our focus is to support the health and well-being of our team and their families.

View our benefits

Training & Professional Development

At Sterne Kessler, you never stop learning. We have training programs for all levels, and our course roster is always evolving to keep up with legal and technical developments. This ensures our IP professionals have a robust menu of training content to support them as they learn and cultivate their specialties.

In addition to being assigned formal advisors, patent agents have access to all the resources and training available across the firm, such as:

Junior Patent Prosecution Training Series: An introduction to Patent Prosecution, 26-course learning path that includes:

  • Application Drafting
  • Prior Art Searching
  • Replying to Office Actions
  • Foreign Prosecution
  • Allowance to Grant
  • Freedom to Operate
  • Opinion Writing
  • Interviewing with Examiners

Specialty Learning Paths/Programs

We offer specialized training programs that include:

  • Biotech Patent Law – a 6-month course taught by Founding Director, Jorge Goldstein
  • Patent Law Small Group Discussion series with Senior Directors
  • Professional Skills – a series of courses covering oral presentation skills, legal and professional writing, time management, and leadership development
  • PTAB Legal Experience and Advancement Program (LEAP) – provides opportunities for training and development of the next generation of attorneys and patent agents. The program provides up to 15 minutes of extra argument time during an oral hearing for the LEAP practitioner
  • Roundtables – monthly continuing education programs in patent prosecution and PTAB practices
  • Patent Quarterly (PQ) Meetings (Biotech and Electronics) – regular industry-focused continuing education programs

Applicants who need assistance submitting an application for employment to Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox PLLC, may contact us at 1.202.371.2600, or through our TTY line at 1.202.772.8948, or at recruiting2@sternekessler.com (legal positions) or employment@sternekessler.com (administrative positions). It is our policy to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities with advance notice of need. Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer.

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Join our dynamic team at Sterne Kessler

We've been voted "Top Workplace" in the Washington Post and "Best Place to Work" in the Washington Business Journal. Learn more about our patent agent job openings and determine if Sterne Kessler is a good long-term fit for you.

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