IP Operations Manager

Frost Brown Todd LLP, a national law firm with 1000+ legal and business professionals in eighteen offices, is currently searching for a full-time IP Operations Manager to join our firm. The IP Operations Manager will lead and enhance the business operations of the Intellectual Property Practice Group, with a focus on workflow efficiency, service quality, and best practices in IP prosecution. This leadership role includes supervising IP operations business professionals and working closely with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with legal procedures, technology, and performance objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and oversee the practices, policies, work processes, quality control and compliance for the IP Practice Group.
• Research, implement, and maintain best-in-class technology and workflow solutions supporting operational efficiency, productivity, and consistently exceptional client service.
• Manage and oversee the IP docketing system, CPi, ensuring docket integrity, compliance, and proper utilization by IP business professionals and attorneys.
• Manage the implementation, adoption and maintenance of PracticeLink, serving as project manager for the current implementation. This includes organizing training for attorneys and business professionals and liaising with the outside vendor and internal project team.
• Oversee the IP group's document management practices, collaborating with Client Intake and the Information Governance team on the physical and digital files, including coordinating the transfer of incoming/outgoing IP files for client and attorney files.
• Liaise with USPTO on various matters such as system outages, My.USPTO.gov account maintenance, rule changes, and new initiatives and platforms.
• Regularly review IP operations to identify opportunities to increase efficiency through improved workflows, automation, or other technology. Enhance data accuracy through validation tools, quality assurance, periodic audits, and feedback from IP business professionals and attorneys.
• Stay current with changes in IP law, firm policies and software that could impact data or docket deadlines, implementing necessary changes. Document changes, develop and maintain training materials and best practices documentation, train IP Practice Group members (business professionals and attorneys), and manage Practice Group-wide communications.
• Organize regular meetings with IP Practice Group leadership and business professionals. Participate in and contribute to IP Practice Group meetings.
• Organize and maintain knowledge management resources, including precedent documents, client guidelines, and practice area resources, particularly for IP software platforms (CPi and PracticeLink) and NetDocuments
• Assist in the onboarding and integration of business professionals and attorneys by providing Practice Group-specific orientation and training.
• Ensure business professionals are developing the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles, identifying skill gaps and implementing training to ensure a consistent approach is maintained across the team. Collaborate with IP attorneys to enhance their proficiency with the IP specific software platforms.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work culture by motivating employees, promoting teamwork, and maintaining high levels of engagement and job satisfaction.
• Provide continuous coaching and mentorship to direct reports, offering constructive feedback to support professional growth and skill development.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience in IP practice, either within a law firm or in-house legal department required, preferably in a managerial capacity.
• Supervisory experience in a professional services environment, with proven ability to manage, coach, and motivate.
• Project management experience.
• Strong, current knowledge of patent and trademark laws, regulations, procedures, and docketing software/procedures.
• Working knowledge of USPTO procedures, 37 C.F.R., and the Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (TMEP), with the ability to stay current on relevant updates and rules.
• Experience with PracticeLink, CPi, or comparable IP software platforms, along with expertise in data management, docket system utilization, and docket integrity and control.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, NetDocuments (or comparable document management system) and ability to gain proficiency in other firm applications.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated initiative, effort, and commitment towards driving results.
• Ability to travel as needed across the firm's footprint.

Frost Brown Todd offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401k/profit sharing retirement package.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Frost Brown Todd is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Frost Brown Todd to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.