Patent Agent

Overview: TITLE: Patent Agent DIVISION: Kyocera Document Solutions Development DEPARTMENT: IP Administration LOCATION: Concord, California- Hybrid (first few months will be 4x in office a week, then transition to 2X/week) FLSA STATUS: Exempt POSITION REPORTS TO: Section Manager, Intellectual Property TRAVEL: Quarterly to the Gardena, CA office An experienced Patent Agent is needed to efficiently proceed patent application process, handle patent-related matters, and be responsible for IP section in the future. Responsibilities: Work closely with engineers in both Concord and LA offices to discuss potentially patentable ideas, conduct prior art searches, and encourage them to prepare/submit the Invention Disclosure Document. Work with outside counsel to discuss strategy and technical issues based on the Invention Disclosure, and review the draft specification prepared by the outside counsel. Analyze Office Action and cited prior arts, and work with outside counsel to file a response/amendment. Support for Patent Clearance Search for new projects and new versions. Analyze patents owned by the competitors and propose a patent strategy. Assist with projects as needed from patent perspective. Report to/Communicate with Intellectual Property Division of the headquarters in Japan periodically in the future. Be responsible for IP section in the future. Qualifications: Registered to practice with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Engineering related field. 5-10 years of experience in comparable in-house position, external position in a patent law firm, or combination of the both. Experience in the printer/document management software industry is highly desirable. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently, take initiative and be a contributing member of the team. Candidates must have: Registered Patent Agent with the USPTO. Would be nice if candidates have: an experience working in a printer industry. Essential Physical Functions: Occasional lifting of computer, monitor, or small printer no heavier than 40 pounds. Typing, writing, reading Frequent sitting Standing, walking, kneeling. This is a general description of the duties and responsibilities most frequently required of this position. The company may from time to time request that the incumbent perform other related tasks and assume reasonable responsibilities that have not been specifically included in this description. What we offer: Generous benefits package including 3 Medical plans to choose from with Dental/Vision as well as FSA accounts and an HDHP with HSA option Discretionary bonus 401k employer contributions with immediate vesting Paid Time Off based on tenure 16 Company-paid holidays including floating holidays Education reimbursement up to $5,250/year Employee referral program Program specific awards Life and disability insurance and more Base pay range: 140-165K/annually. The actual base salary will vary based on various factors, including market and individual qualifications, area of expertise, experience and performance. The listed range above is a guideline, and the base salary range for this role may be modified. Keep in mind, annual compensation is just one part of the total compensation package Kyocera provides. Who we are : Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. is one of the World's leading manufacturers of laser printers and document management systems. Kyocera Document Solutions Development America, Inc. (KDDA) is a subsidiary of Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc. and is part of the global Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.'s software development team. With about 150 employees in Concord, CA and Gardena, CA we take advantage of the benefit of being part of a large, stable company while operating independently under Kyocera's unique Amoeba Management. Silicon Valley location: Our Silicon Valley location is a division of Kyocera's Document Solution Inc.'s Corporate Business Solutions Division. We develop innovative solutions in various technological sectors such as Document BPO, ECM, and Cloud Printing/Reporting. Los Angeles location: The Los Angeles location, a division of Kyocera's Document Solution Inc.'s Corporate R&D group, specializes in a range of award-winning multifunctional printing products. We develop innovative multifunctional printing and production printing controller software along with ASIC design and development. The perks: Kyocera Document Solutions Development America, Inc. offers a stimulating working environment, as well as a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision plans, matching 401K contributions, flexible spending plan, disability and life insurance, plus Paid Time Off, company paid holidays and more. Our culture: Innovate today for a brighter tomorrow. Through continuous learning and deep commitment to constantly improve, we achieve business growth, personal growth and growth for society. We find new knowledge in every situation learning never stops for us. The more we learn, the easier the potential for further growth. And the more we grow, the more confidence we have to always do better. Through this, we deliver solutions that not only suit our customers they help advance humanity as a whole. Our unique Amoeba Management allows you to experience the complexity of a large organization while aligning the flexibility and innovation of a small company. Your entrepreneurial spirit, technical prowess, integrity and teamwork will enlighten and drive the next generation products and solutions to our customers. Come see what we are all about Kyocera Document Solutions Development America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding nondiscrimination. Kyocera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Qualified minorities, women, protected veterans and/or individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Strictly no agencies please.