Patent Agent

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Patent Agent to join its IP team. As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for providing a broad range of IP services to the company, both directly and in conjunction with external US and foreign IP counsel.

• Collaborate with company engineers to elicit invention disclosures and prepare and prosecute US and foreign patent applications.
• Manage US and foreign patent counsel in drafting and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications.
• Assist with the ongoing strategic maintenance and growth of Lutron's US and foreign patent portfolios.
• Build and manage relationships with technical, business, and legal leaders to understand Lutron's businesses and align its IP strategies with relevant R&D activities, commercialization plans, and business and technology strategies.
• Provide proactive, cost-effective, and efficient IP advice and services tailored to the needs and priorities of Lutron's business units.
• Assist in analyzing potential risks to Lutron's worldwide products and businesses regarding third-party patent rights.
• Prepare, obtain, and analyze patent searches and work with IP attorneys to provide assessments on patentability, non-infringement, and validity.
• Assist with potential third-party patent licensing requests and patent allegations regarding Lutron products and businesses.
• Provide competitive analysis support regarding potential infringement of Lutron patent rights.
• Work closely with the internal IP team to continually develop the IP Department to improve processes.
• Assist with the development of educational materials and training Lutron personnel on IP issues, and support the development and implementation of, and compliance with, internal policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related discipline.
• Minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all related degrees earned.
• USPTO Patent Bar registration.
• 1+ year of experience drafting patent applications and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel to US engineering offices as required, up to 10% of your time.
• 3+ years of software or hardware engineering experience preferred.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the electrical and software fields, with additional experience in mechanical and design applications preferred.
• Experience as a patent agent with a mix of law firm and in-house experience or solely in-house experience.

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity - Affirmative Action - Employer. We welcome qualified, motivated applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.