CooperVision, Inc. is a business unit of the NYSE listed company, The Cooper Companies, Inc., that manufactures and markets a broad range of contact lenses for the worldwide vision correction market. This position is based in Pleasanton, CA. We are looking for a skilled patent agent to help support our intellectual property functions. You will work closely with our IP team supporting R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing and Corporate activities.

 Responsibilities:
• Maintaining a substantial and active prosecution docket of U.S. and foreign patent applications, including some hands on drafting, and managing outside counsel in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Collaborating with CooperVision’s departments in expanding and strengthening the IP portfolio, including identification of patentable inventions.
• Providing strategic patent advice to internal clients reflecting team objectives, and identify patent opportunities and risks. 
• Diligence work, including freedom-to-operate, infringement and validity analyses, and licensing support. 
• Operating within IP team to improve operational and strategic IP issues.
• Developing in-depth expertise in contact lens and ophthalmic areas and provide counsel on patent law issues to scientists conducting research in those areas.

Required Skills:
• Strong knowledge of and experience with US and foreign patent laws. European Opposition experience a plus but not required.
• Technical expertise and/or patent prosecution experience in the areas of manufacturing systems including robotic and computer systems, and medical device manufacturing are strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with members of different business groups and functions at all levels.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, adapt to rapidly changing priorities, manage heavy workflow, set priorities and deliver results.
• Ability to promote positive cooperation and clear communication within IP team and with internal clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be able to engage in domestic and international travel as needed.

Educational Background/Qualifications/Experience:
• Must be a Registered U.S. Patent Agent (ie. licensed to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office.)
• Degree in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering preferred.
• Minimum 8 years experience, including US and foreign patent prosecution, with both experience in a law firm and in-house for a public company preferred. 
• Experience working with a medical device company or ophthalmic related field preferred.

Contact:
To apply to this position, please email Mary Kaverman at mkaverman@cooperco.com.

Additional Info:
Employer Type: Large Corporation
Job Location: Pleasanton, California

CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to crafting quality lenses for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support.

CooperVision has a refreshing perspective that sets us apart. We appreciate no two eyes, no two patients and no two days are ever the same. We understand our lenses are one of many valuable ingredients in peoples' daily lives. We know every wearer is unique, so we craft world-class lenses for both mainstream and challenging vision corrections, and we look for ways to make it easier for people to find the lenses that best fit their life. 

Our perspective also enables us to be a better partner. We listen. We understand the dynamics of our industry. We keep it simple. And we act with speed, flexibility, and nimbleness, always looking for new and better ways to support our customers and keep them up-to-date. 

In the end, we are committed to helping customers run and grow a successful business, and to keeping practitioners and wearers happy with our lenses and confident in CooperVision... today, tomorrow and beyond.

Join our team and become a part of a world class organization that is the second largest contact lens manufacturer in the United States and the third largest in the world. A global powerhouse, we tout a network of facilities that expands our reach to 70 countries. 

We offer some of the most respected brands and most advanced lenses in the industry, including our recently launched silicone hydrogels Biofinity® & Avaira® which offer the best vision possible in a soft contact lens. Our Proclear Compatibles® lenses deliver unmatched all day comfort. And our Frequency® 55 Multifocal lenses use a revolutionary two-lens system to help correct presbyopia.

Realize your vision ....