Intellectual Property (IP) Docketing Clerk

The Intellectual Property (IP) Docketing Clerk at BCforward is a contract position based in Franklin Lakes, NJ, offering a rate of $34.58 per hour. BCforward, established in 1998, has evolved from an IT business solutions and staffing firm into a comprehensive personnel solutions organization. With its headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana, and delivery centers across North America, as well as in Hyderabad, India, and Puerto Rico, BCforward is recognized as the largest consulting firm and MBE certified firm headquartered in Indiana. The company has experienced over 14 years of uninterrupted growth, supported by a dedicated team of more than 1,400 professionals delivering services across various industries in both public and private sectors. BCforward's staffing professionals have placed thousands of talented individuals over the past decade, maintaining retention rates consistently higher than the industry average.

In this role, the IP Docketing Clerk is responsible for a range of critical support and administrative tasks within the Intellectual Property Department. Key duties include monitoring departmental email boxes for incoming communications, analyzing and processing all types of correspondence related to U.S. and foreign patent prosecution, and entering required information into the Anaqua IP docketing system. The clerk will also validate data input by law firms into the system, ensure compliance with BCforward's docketing procedures, send reminders to attorneys and assistants about upcoming deadlines, resolve docketing inaccuracies, and answer related questions. Additionally, the role involves docketing completed actions and assisting with other IP-related tasks, such as patent and trademark prosecution, as needed.

Candidates should possess a minimum of three years of experience in patent prosecution docketing using a computerized IP docketing system, with experience in trademark docketing being desirable but not required. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Essential skills include accurate data entry, proofreading, reading comprehension, and the ability to work under pressure while adjusting quickly to changing priorities. A comprehensive understanding of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution procedures, terminology, and deadlines is necessary. Proficiency with IP docketing software, particularly Anaqua, is preferred, along with familiarity with the USPTO website, including the Patent PAIR System, and external patent office databases such as WIPO and EPO. Competence in MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS Word is also required. The ideal candidate will be a fast learner with the ability to multitask, demonstrating a high level of responsibility, teamwork, and dedication to accuracy and thoroughness in their work.

This contract position offers an opportunity to work within a dynamic and growing company, providing exposure to a wide range of IP-related tasks and the chance to collaborate with professionals in the field. While specific compensation and benefits details are not provided, the role offers a competitive hourly rate and the potential for future opportunities within the organization.

BCforward fosters a culture of growth and development, encouraging employees to expand their skills and advance their careers. The company values dedication, accuracy, and teamwork, providing a supportive environment for professionals to thrive.