Senior Associate, Paralegal - Patents

SC JOHNSON IS A FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY BUILT ON THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers - such as Raid, Glade, Ziploc and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future - for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The SC Johnson Legal Department is seeking a Senior Associate, Paralegal to join our innovative Patent Practice Group, a team responsible for managing a substantial portfolio of domestic and international patents that support our diverse range of consumer products. This group works in close collaboration with research, development, and marketing teams to safeguard and propel the company's innovation efforts.

In this role, you will be entrusted with the strategic management of U.S. and global patent portfolios for specific business units. You will play a pivotal role in supporting patent attorneys throughout the entire lifecycle of portfolio management-from coordinating invention disclosures and patent filings to overseeing docketing and prosecution timelines. Your responsibilities will also include conducting clearance searches, offering intellectual property guidance, resolving conflicts, and contributing to acquisition due diligence.

We are looking for a meticulous and self-driven professional who excels in a fast-paced environment and can confidently manage complex patent processes with minimal oversight. If you are passionate about intellectual property and eager to make a meaningful impact within a company that values innovation and leadership, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preparation of official patent documents (Assignments, Power of Attorney, Declarations, etc.)

• Manage and assist US and international outside counsel in all aspects of patent preparation, patent clearance, patent prosecution and dispute resolution

• Work with inventors to gather pertinent information in support of patent applications

• Work with business units to gather evidence for contentious matters and collect and maintain patent-use information

• Maintain patent portfolio management database

• Monitor and manage annuity activities relating to payments and due dates

• Assist with invoice review and management

• Assist with various projects work as needed, including Freedom to Operate tracking, Agreement review, reviewing processes and workflows related to patent portfolios, preparing and delivering reports for invention disclosures, and estate review as requested

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of paralegal experience including patent and/or intellectual property matters

• Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship for full-time employment

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• 4+ years of patent paralegal experience in a major law firm and/or in-house corporate environment

• Successful completion of an American Bar Association approved Paralegal program

• Strong working knowledge of domestic and international patent laws and procedures

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-performing consumer-products company and manage and prioritize a large, complex workload

• Detail oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work closely and build relationships with domestic and international business clients, team members and outside counsel

• Online patent searching and docketing experience (i.e., Anaqua and Acclaim IP)

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• This role will be located at the SC Johnson Corporate Headquarters, Racine, WI

• Remote work is available once per week after 90-day onboarding period

• This position is not eligible for relocation

Inclusion & Diversity

We're a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We're committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion.

Better Together

At SC Johnson, we strive to create a positive, inclusive and unique workplace. We strongly believe SCJ people are able to achieve their best when they can collaborate and work together in person.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law.

Accommodation Requests

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to SCJHR@scj.com. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO is the Law poster for more information.