The Coca-Cola Company 
is seeking a Patent Agent to work in its Atlanta, Georgia offices. Reporting to the Patents Manager, the Patent Agent is responsible for assisting Counsel in developing and maintaining the Company’s patent portfolio in support of the Company's business objectives. The individual is responsible for all aspects of the Company's patent procurement activities, working closely and communicating effectively with scientific, technical, legal and business team members in the process. The individual will review invention disclosure submissions, consult key stakeholders to determine the best filing strategy, prosecute and, where necessary, manage prosecution by outside patent counsel in support of that strategy. This individual will support Counsel and/or outside patent counsel in strategic counseling matters, including opinion work and enforcement matters. The individual will play an important role in monitoring competitive activity and patent filings.
Responsibilities:
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Company’s global patent strategy
• Prepare, including drafting, file, prosecute and maintain US and foreign patent applications working closely with the inventors and in consultation with other key stakeholders
• Assist in identifying competitive products/patent portfolios
• Support M&A activity involving technology-based companies, when requested
• Conduct and interpret prior art searches
• Support client counseling, working closely with Counsel and/or outside patent counsel
• Supports the invention disclosure process, with emphasis on fit with business strategy
• Other responsibilities and key result areas will be assigned as required
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree (in engineering, materials science, organic or polymer chemistry, molecular biology or other relevant technical degree, with minimum 2 (M.S., Ph.D) or 4 (B.S.) years of experience, including with preparing, filing, and prosecuting of patent applications
• Registered before the USPTO
• Strong knowledge of patent law
• Experience with all common IP software
• Extensive experience in drafting patent applications and responses in the USPTO
• Experience in managing large, foreign patent dockets
• Ability to work proactively, multi-task and meet aggressive IP timelines
• Outstanding communication and networking skills and the ability to participate in a multidisciplinary team composed of inventors, scientists, attorneys, technical managers, and business development leaders
• Ability to work independently and, where appropriate, with supervision provided by an in-house patent manager
• The ability to effectively contribute as a team player
• Demonstrated creativity and success in strategizing, structuring, and obtaining robust intellectual property protection for specific technology- related products
Functional Expertise:
• Strong technical writing and patent drafting skills (min. 10-15 patent applications to draft per year)
• Strong understanding (including current and historical knowledge) of products and technical literature and innovation
• Superior English written and oral communication skills
• Strong research and analysis skills along with an interest in legal issues concerning patents
• Training or practical experience with patent classification systems and/or patent search tools (e.g., Innography, Thomson IP)
• Understanding and applying procedures, regulations, and policies related to areas of specialized expertise
• Utilizes technology-based tools and processes
• Continuous learning and development
• Customer service and results-oriented
Contact:
For more information and to apply online, visit this link: www.cocacolacompany.com/careers.
Additional Info:
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Atlanta, Georgia