Patent Searcher/Analyst – Corporation – Wilmington, DE or Union Beach, NJ (hybrid)

April 10, 2022- US - Northeast, Emp - Corporate (in-house), Tech - Chemical / Pharma, Work - Patent Analysis

It’s an exciting time to be part of IFF and we have an opportunity for an experienced, dynamic person to join the Intellectual Property/Knowledge Management (IPKM) group as a Patent Analyst/Searcher. The position requires a creative, inquisitive, and technologically adept individual who will work closely with R&D and legal teams to drive and support global Intellectual Property and Technology Platform development for research projects.

Responsibilities:

Conducting IP searches based on complex search strategies using various search engines for landscape analysis, prior art identification, FTO clearance, invalidity and providing a logical and complete search history
Leading the analysis of identified new technology and market opportunities and developing recommendations on those opportunities in collaboration with project teams

Integrating IP planning, strategy, and goals into the early stages of projects and ensuring that these plans stay relevant and are followed through until end of project
Creating a robust intellectual capital culture, ensuring teams are aware of IP strategy, positions, tools and their roles/responsibilities for creating, defending, and managing IP

Maintaining proficiency with commercial patent searching databases A passion for intellectual capital strategy

Job Requirements:

B.S. degree in one of the following areas: biotechnology, biological science, molecular biology, microbiology, human physiology, food chemistry, or biochemistry (Masters degree a plus)
6 years of search experience in Biotechnology or Chemistry IP
Technical understanding of the invention disclosure and identification of search focus to develop a highly skilled search methodology
Ability to work independently, across multiple geographies, prioritize work/projects, and seamlessly pivot when necessary
Excellent written and oral communication skills with attention to detail
Good influencing and coaching skills to drive team alignment of goals and accountabilities to meet IP and business objectives
Commitment to quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance
Team player with highly organized time management and problem-solving skills to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, OneNote, OneDrive
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

This position can have a flexible schedule, working onsite occasionally at either our Wilmington, DE or Union Beach, NJ locations.

Apply online at:
https://careers.iff.com/job-invite/343741/

Additional Info
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Wilmington, DE or Union Beach, NJ (hybrid)

Patent Scientist – Computer Science – Law Firm – Open to offices in CA, NY or WA. Hybrid remote.

April 1, 2022- US - Northeast, - US - NYC, - US - Telecommute, - US - West, Tech - Computer Science, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. Candidates will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate with the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Each client brings novel and diverse technologies to our firm. Therefore, the candidate will learn about a variety of new technologies, learn to identify inventive features, learn to describe the inventions, and work with the Patent Office to allow a patent for the technology. The position also requires a candidate to possess the ability to explain and describe new technologies in a way that is concise and descriptive.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Reviewing new client technologies to determine potentially patentable features.
Creating technical diagrams and drawings that describe the invention.
Writing patent applications with clarity and technical accuracy.
Reviewing issued patents.

To be successful in this position the candidate must be a strong communicator, both written and oral. The candidate must be able to work independently, with a large amount of working freedom. In addition, each candidate will eventually participate in a patent law course and become registered with the United States Patent Office.

Education and Experience:

B.S. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or other similar technical field is required.
At least two years of patent prosecution experience.
Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and communication skills.

Open to Knobbe Office Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle

EOE/Veterans/Disability. Knobbe Martens will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Apply online at:
http://www.knobbelaw.com/viDesktop/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=6&FilterJobCategoryID=3&FilterJobID=484

Please include cover letter, resume, transcripts, and writing sample with your submission.

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Open to offices in CA, NY or WA. Hybrid remote.

Patent Scientist – Optics/Physics – Law Firm – Open to any office in CA, NY, WA, D.C. Hybrid remote.

March 31, 2022- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - NYC, - US - Telecommute, - US - West, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. The candidate will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Reviewing new client technologies to determine potentially patentable features.
Writing patent applications with clarity and technical accuracy.
Drafting persuasive responses to patent office rejections.
Reviewing issued patents.

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. in Optics, Electrical Engineering with concentration on lasers/photonics, or Physics is required.
Patent prosecution experience is preferred.
Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and communication skills.

Open to Knobbe Office Locations: Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

EOE/Vet/Disability. Knobbe Martens will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Apply online at:
http://www.knobbelaw.com/viDesktop/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=6&FilterJobCategoryID=3&FilterJobID=465

Please include cover letter, resume, transcripts, and writing sample with your submission.

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Open to any office in CA, NY, WA, D.C. Hybrid remote.

Patent Scientist – Electrical Engineering – Law Firm – Open to any office in CA, WA, NY, D.C. Hybrid remote.

March 31, 2022- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - NYC, - US - Telecommute, - US - West, Tech - Electrical, Work - Other Patent

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. The candidate will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Reviewing new client technologies to determine potentially patentable features.
Writing patent applications with clarity and technical accuracy.
Drafting persuasive responses to patent office rejections.
Reviewing issued patents.

Education and Experience:

B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering is required. M.S. or Ph.D. is preferred.
One to five years of patent prosecution experience is strongly desired.
Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and communication skills.

Knobbe Office Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Apply online at:
http://www.knobbelaw.com/viDesktop/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=6&FilterJobCategoryID=3&FilterJobID=431

Please include a cover letter, resume, transcripts and writing sample with your submission.

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Open to any office in CA, WA, NY, D.C. Hybrid remote.

IP Litigation Associate – Law Firm – Syracuse, NY, and other locations

March 23, 2022- US - Northeast, Emp - Law Firm, Work - Patent Litigation

Barclay Damon, a large law firm, is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to work in Syracuse, NY, and other locations.

Patent Associate – Law Firm – Boston, MA

February 27, 2022- US - Northeast, Tech - Electrical

Pierce Atwood LLP seeks a patent associate with a degree and background in electrical engineering or physics to join its Patent Group in the Boston, MA office. The ideal candidate will have experience with medical devices. Excellent academic qualifications and exceptional analytical skills and writing ability are required.

Director – IP Products and Services at Clairvolex Inc. – Small Corporation – Pacific Northwest or US East Coast Area.

January 31, 2022- US - Northeast, Work - Licensing / Other Corporate, Work - Paralegal / Legal Secretary, Work - Patent Prosecution

Clairvolex Inc., a small corporation, is seeking a Director of IP Products and Services to work in the Pacific Northwest or US East Coast Area.

Director, IP will function as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in relation to IP product sales. As the SME, you will be responsible for:

Product demonstrations
Customer – Solutioning, Enquiries on products’ features
Supporting sales personnel in converting leads as customers
Receive and process customer feedback on products
Take part in product stand-ups
Participate in product testing and evaluation
Contribute to the product feature enhancements
Attend IP conferences and events to evangelize the Product
Create contents around AI and patent prosecution to support the marketing efforts
Participate in engineering stands when required

In relation to our IP Services business, you will be responsible for:

Key Account Management
Quality oversight for patent portfolios we develop and manage for our clients
Farming-type sales of existing customer accounts
Enhancing Customer satisfaction through strategic patent portfolio development employing quantitative and qualitative prosecution metrics
Assisting ELT (Executive Leadership Team), key managers and sales personnel in winning new accounts
Developing and executing governance processes for clients.
Managing outside counsels for functions connected with filing of office action responses, Examiner interviews and legal steps relative to allowance
Subject matter assistance to all BUs: Portfolio Development, Patent Analytics & Monetization and IP Management Services.
Training and Mentoring engineers to become proficient in patent preparation and prosecution.
You will coach, train, and mentor engineers in all aspects of US patent preparation and prosecution.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Review and quality control responses to offices actions issued by USPTO and drafted by the Patent Engineers
In conjunction with the European Outside Counsels, review and supervise the responses to office actions issued by the EPO and drafted by the Patent Engineers
Wherever necessary, and in complex cases, hands-on draft office action responses
Responsible for instructing the US outside counsels regarding filing response to office actions, Examiner interviews, preparing and filing continuations, and matters connected with prosecution of US patent applications until grant.
Train, coach, and mentor patent engineers to write high quality office action responses. Develop training materials.
Responsible for customer relations management relative to prosecution functions
Offer technical support, subject matter expertise, and solutioning support to sales and business development leadership at global levels
When required travel to client facilities for on-site reviews consistent with applicable public health safety regulations
Support through rendering subject matter expertise to the IPMS (IP Management Service) team – a large group of paralegals handling a variety of functions for multiple large in-house corporate IP operations.
Contribute to CLRC (Clairvolex Learning & Research Center) occasional articles, research papers and/or research in-put (not-mandatory)
Help in establishing the Clairvolex brand globally, and in that relation the management may task the candidate to attend conferences, networking events, roadshows and also carry out regular visits to various potential and existing client facilities.

Educational/professional qualifications:

US Patent Attorney
Must possess an EE degree from a reputed US university and JD from a well-credentialed law school

Experience:
About 5 years’ experience in patent practice either with a law firm or in-house, or in an SME role in the IP industry

Compensation:
Commensurate to industry/law firm standards in the United States

Apply via email to:
careers@clairvolex.com

Include a resume with your submission.

Additional Info
Employer Type: Small Corporation
Job Location: Pacific Northwest or US East Coast Area.

Patent Agent or Associate – Law Firm – Atlanta, New York, or Philadelphia

January 26, 2022- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, Tech - Biotech

Ballard Spahr LLP. is seeking a patent attorney, patent agent, or technical specialist, preferably with patent prosecution experience, to assist our team in prosecution, IP diligence, IP-transfer commercial transactions, and strategic IP business counseling. A graduate degree in a biological science is required, and a PhD is preferred. Preference for a degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, or genetics. Strong academic credentials and excellent references are expected. Admission to the patent bar, or qualification to sit for the patent bar, is required.

Patent Administrator – Other – Woburn, Massachusetts

January 16, 2022- US - Northeast, Work - Admin

Aptima is seeking a Patent Administrator to work in Woburn, Massachusetts

This role supports Aptima’s Patent Attorney who leads Aptima’s patent and trademark filing and other intellectual property efforts. You will assist with the organization, completion and tracking of documents and activities supporting invention disclosures, provisional patent applications, non-provisional patent applications and trademark applications. You can also expect to contribute to reporting, training, and support of these activities. You will also assist with and monitor weekly activities and deadlines and communicate this information daily with internal team members to ensure deadlines are met.

Other responsibilities include preparing application forms and working copies of application papers for filing patent & trademark applications with the USPTO, ensure electronic and paper copies of application files are kept current, update application status spreadsheets and agendas for status meetings, serve as back-up to other team members in cases of deadlines or absence, lead administrative projects related to intellectual property efforts and organize and set up conference calls and meetings as necessary.

You’ll Need:

Creative problem solving
Ability of working both autonomously and as part of a team
Curiosity and eagerness to learn new skills
Flexibility to change direction quickly
Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and ability to self-manage multiple administrative projects simultaneously
Attention to detail and ability to follow through a sequence of events to meet deadlines
Experience drafting internal and external correspondence
Comfortable speaking with all levels of staff, including managers, scientists, and executives
Experience using Office 365, particularly MS Word and MS Excel
Experience and fluency in U.S. patent application procedures

Minimum Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship required or the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance
Bachelor’s Degree in Administration or a related field
3 years supporting administration in a corporate office setting

Apply online at:
https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=mo269

Additional Info
Employer Type: Other
Job Location: Woburn, Massachusetts

Patent Agent or Associate (High Tech) – Law Firm – Boston, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco

January 4, 2022- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Midwest, - US - Northeast, - US - West, Work - Patent Prosecution

Mintz is looking for a patent agent or associate with at least two years of patent prosecution experience and a technology background in computer science, computer engineering, and/or electrical engineering. Candidates should have experience in one or more of the following technologies: machine learning, artificial intelligence, and image & signal processing. Specific duties include:

Patent Agent or Associate (High Tech) – Law Firm – Boston, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco

January 4, 2022- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Midwest, - US - Northeast, - US - West

Mintz is looking for a patent agent or associate with at least three years of patent prosecution experience and a technology background in electrical engineering, computer science, and/or computer engineering. Specific duties include:

Reviewing invention disclosure documents and conducting invention disclosure meetings
Conducting prior searches, reviewing references and analyzing patentability
Drafting patent applications
Reviewing USPTO office actions, formulating response strategies, conducting examiner interviews, and drafting and filing responses
Managing U.S. and foreign dockets
Analyzing patents in connection with due diligence and/or freedom to operate analyses

Collaboration with team members is an important component of any role at Mintz. Therefore, the firm encourages working from the office approximately 60% of the time in accordance with the firm’s published guidelines.

Qualifications:

At least three years of patent prosecution experience
USPTO admission
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or related field of study
Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA accredited law school
Admitted to or eligible for admission to the California, MA, DC, or NY bar
Prior work experience in a law firm strongly preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A high level of professionalism in working and engaging with demanding clients
Ability to balance and prioritize multiple competing priorities and responsibilities, be highly organized and exercise extreme attention to detail
Ability to collaborate and work effectively in team settings
Absent an exemption required by law, each Mintz employee is required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

About the IP Patent Prosecution Section

Our patent prosecution team takes our clients’ strongest innovations and efficiently crafts patents to obtain protections in mission-critical jurisdictions. We work with leading innovator clients developing cutting-edge technologies. We have a deep bench of associates, patent agents and technical advisors to draft applications, respond to office actions and conduct examiner interviews. We help clients identify innovations, develop prosecution strategies and ensure quality control — providing critical guidance to help clients succeed.

Mintz is an Am Law 100 law firm with over 500 attorneys serving clients worldwide. Our attorneys combine legal, business, and industry insight to help navigate shifting challenges. We advise business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors on pivotal deals, disputes, and regulatory matters within our core practice areas — Transactional, Intellectual Property, Litigation & Investigations, and Regulatory & Advisory. We are strategically located to meet the needs of our clients, with offices in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, DC and London.

Please submit cover letter and resume/CV at:
https://careers.mintz.com/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=4&FilterJobCategoryID=1&FilterJobID=1417

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Boston, New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco

Patent Attorney – Law Firm – Westwood, MA

January 1, 2022- US - Northeast, Emp - Law Firm, Tech - Computer Science, Tech - Electrical, Work - Patent Prosecution

Daly, Crowley, Mofford & Durkee, LLP, a midsized IP firm in the Boston area, seeks a patent attorney or agent with a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or an equivalent discipline. At least 2 years of patent prosecution experience is preferred. Firm attorneys work in a wide range of high tech areas for large and small corporate, institutional and individual clients. Our offices are located about 10 miles southwest of Boston and hybrid working arrangements are available. Compensation and benefits competitive with downtown firms.

Patent Attorney (Biotechnology) – Law Firm – Concord or Boston MA/Remote

December 10, 2021- US - Northeast, - US - Telecommute, Tech - Biotech, Tech - Chemical / Pharma, Work - Patent Prosecution

Hamilton Brook Smith & Reynolds, an intellectual property boutique with offices in Boston and Concord, Massachusetts, has a need for a Patent Attorney with a specialty in Biotechnology or a related discipline. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of patent drafting and prosecution experience, and have the necessary skills to work on matters in most areas of Biotechnology and related life sciences. A Master’s degree in Biotechnology or related discipline is required. A Ph.D. in Biotechnology is desirable, but not required. Work experience with pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or general life science patent matters is beneficial.

Patent Agent – Law Firm – New York, NY

November 23, 2021- US - Northeast, - US - NYC, Tech - Computer Science, Tech - Electrical, Work - Patent Prosecution

Pearl Cohen LLP is seeking a patent agent to work in their New York offices.

Intellectual Property Associate – Life Sciences – Law Firm – Boston, MA

November 18, 2021- US - Northeast, Tech - Biotech, Tech - Chemical / Pharma, Work - Patent Prosecution

Are you looking to join an established team at an AmLaw100 firm? Nelson Mullins is seeking a mid-level Associate to join its Intellectual Property team. This is a nationwide search and the opportunity is open to multiple large markets.

You have meaningful experience with patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis, opinion work, due diligence projects, and client counseling. You will receive mentoring and training in the practice of intellectual property law.

As a Nelson Mullins Associate, you’ll be joining the ranks of over 800 attorneys and a firm culture that will offer you a broad practice platform that is also personal enough to provide individual client attention no matter your office location.

Drawing from more than 3 years’ experience working in IP law, you have meaningful patent prosecution experience with an immunology background preferred though not required. You will work directly with attorneys and patent agents on IP matters for leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

You have a PhD (or equivalent) in molecular cell biology, immunology, biochemistry or relevant biological science required. You have meaningful prior patent preparation and prosecution experience, preferably two to seven years’ experience. You have excelled academically with strong writing, analytical, and communications skills. You are admitted to the state Bar of a major metropolitan city where Nelson Mullins has an office.

At Nelson Mullins, we help advance our clients’ business goals through flexibility, business sense, and tireless advocacy based on a deep understanding of their business worlds. A team of more than 800 attorneys, policy advisors, e-discovery professionals, and other business professionals work side-by-side with you towards shared goals. With more than 100 diversified practice areas, including government relations, and policy services, as well as our Encompass e-discovery and information governance services, the Firm provides lateral attorneys joining us with a broad bench from which to pull in practitioners who can team with you to provide client services.

Apply online at:
https://careers-nelsonmullins.icims.com/jobs/2734/intellectual-property-associate---life-sciences/job?mode=view

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a copy of law school transcript

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Boston, MA

Patent Scientist – Biotechnology – Law Firm – Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

November 18, 2021- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - Northwest, - US - West, Tech - Biotech, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. The candidate will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Patent Counsel – Biotechnology – Law Firm – Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

November 18, 2021- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - Northwest, - US - West, Tech - Biotech, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens seeks motivated candidates to join our team. Patent Counsel applicants should have at least two years of biotechnology-related patent prosecution experience to assist in the drafting and prosecution of foreign patent applications. This is a non-partnership track position. This position requires a M.S. degree in biological sciences and a J.D. from an ABA accredited school with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Must be licensed to practice law. Candidates must have strong technical writing skills.

Patent Scientist – Mechanical Engineering/Design Patent – Law Firm – Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

November 18, 2021- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - Northwest, - US - West, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. The candidate will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Reviewing new client technologies to determine potentially patentable features.
Writing patent applications with clarity and technical accuracy.
Drafting persuasive responses to patent office rejections.
Reviewing issued patents.

Education and Experience:

B.S. in in Mechanical Engineering is required. M.S. or Ph.D. is preferred.
At least one to three years of experience in patent prosecution, including experience with design patent applications, is required.
Must be independently motivated to succeed and measure success on a team level.
Qualified candidates will possess strong academic credentials and written communication skills.

EOE/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability. Knobbe Martens will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative Ordinance and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

Apply online at:
http://www.knobbelaw.com/viDesktop/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=6&FilterJobCategoryID=3&FilterJobID=456

Please include a cover letter, resume, transcripts and writing sample with your submission.

Additional Info
Employer Type: Law Firm
Job Location: Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

Patent Counsel – Mechanical Engineering/Design Patent – Law Firm – Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

November 18, 2021- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - Northwest, - US - West, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens is looking for patent counsel candidates with one to three years of experience in patent prosecution, including experience with design patent applications, to assist in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications. This is a non-partnership track position. This position requires a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a J.D. from an ABA accredited school. A graduate degree is desired, but not necessary. Must be licensed to practice law. Candidates must have strong technical writing skills.

Patent Scientist – Optics/Physics – Law Firm – Open to any office location in CA, DC, NY, WA

November 18, 2021- US - MidAtlantic and South, - US - Northeast, - US - Northwest, - US - West, Work - Patent Prosecution

Knobbe Martens provides an opportunity for engineers and scientists to further their professional growth and career development in exciting, challenging ways. Put your technical degree to work on issues involving science, technology, and the law. The candidate will assist with the successful procurement of patent protection for innovative technologies, evaluate the designs of new products, and assist with the evaluation of competitor products.