Fenwick & West
Associate Director, Patent Operations
Fenwick & West, Santa Monica, California, United States, 90403
Associate Director, Patent Operations
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Associate Director, Patent Operations
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Fenwick & West .
The Associate Director, Patent Operations serves as a strategic and operational leader within the Patent Practice Area, responsible for driving excellence, innovation, and efficiency across all facets of patent operations. The role partners closely with practice leadership and attorneys/agents, ensuring the patent operational infrastructure, resources, and processes are aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the IP Director and firm leadership to define and execute the operational strategy for the Patent Practice Group.
Develop and implement multi-year operational roadmaps, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with firm priorities.
Evaluate and optimize resource allocation, staffing models, and process workflows to drive sustainable performance.
Lead the design and implementation of innovative operational frameworks and technology solutions to streamline workflows, including third‑party solutions.
Manage performance metrics and compliance with firm policies, client guidelines, and applicable patent rules and regulations.
Develop, maintain, and enforce operational policies, procedures, and best practices across all patent teams.
Provide executive oversight to the patent docketing department, the international filing department, the legal support analysts, and related operational teams.
Mentor and develop managers and teams to strengthen leadership capabilities.
Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and client service excellence.
Lead change management initiatives to support new technologies, processes, and organizational structures.
Partner with firm departments such as Finance, IT, HR, and Risk Management to ensure cohesive operational integration.
Collaborate with practice leaders to anticipate client and business needs, ensuring operational readiness and agility.
Collaborate with the trademark practice leadership to ensure consistency in resources and management within IP.
Oversee the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of patent operations software and technology platforms.
Manage relationships and contracts with third‑party vendors and service providers.
Develop and deliver executive‑level reports and presentations highlighting performance trends and strategic recommendations.
Monitor KPIs, operational data, and productivity metrics to guide decision‑making.
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving patent law regulations.
Represent the firm in industry groups and forums related to IP operations.
Travel to all firm offices on a quarterly basis to ensure consistent operational oversight.
Qualifications
In‑depth knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution processes, docketing systems, and patent operations infrastructure.
Demonstrated experience building and scaling operational systems for large patent prosecution teams.
Expertise in IP docketing and data management platforms, with proficiency in EFS, PAIR, EPAS, WIPO, and PTO Financial Manager.
Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
Exceptional communication and influencing skills, engaging effectively across all levels of the organization.
Strong analytical and financial acumen, interpreting and leveraging operational data to drive decisions.
Ability to lead through change, inspire high performance, and foster a collaborative, high‑trust culture.
Strategic mindset anticipating business needs and developing long‑term solutions.
Commitment to client service excellence and continuous improvement.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and patent management software platforms.
Exceptional written, verbal, and organizational skills.
High level of discretion and professionalism handling confidential information.
Travel Requirement Travel to all firm offices on a quarterly basis is required.
Reporting Reporting to the IP and Regulatory Practice Group Director.
Compensation Anticipated range: $168,000 – $251,250.
Benefits Comprehensive benefit program covering healthcare, life insurance, HSAs, FSAs, and wellbeing.
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Associate Director, Patent Operations
role at
Fenwick & West .
The Associate Director, Patent Operations serves as a strategic and operational leader within the Patent Practice Area, responsible for driving excellence, innovation, and efficiency across all facets of patent operations. The role partners closely with practice leadership and attorneys/agents, ensuring the patent operational infrastructure, resources, and processes are aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the IP Director and firm leadership to define and execute the operational strategy for the Patent Practice Group.
Develop and implement multi-year operational roadmaps, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and alignment with firm priorities.
Evaluate and optimize resource allocation, staffing models, and process workflows to drive sustainable performance.
Lead the design and implementation of innovative operational frameworks and technology solutions to streamline workflows, including third‑party solutions.
Manage performance metrics and compliance with firm policies, client guidelines, and applicable patent rules and regulations.
Develop, maintain, and enforce operational policies, procedures, and best practices across all patent teams.
Provide executive oversight to the patent docketing department, the international filing department, the legal support analysts, and related operational teams.
Mentor and develop managers and teams to strengthen leadership capabilities.
Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and client service excellence.
Lead change management initiatives to support new technologies, processes, and organizational structures.
Partner with firm departments such as Finance, IT, HR, and Risk Management to ensure cohesive operational integration.
Collaborate with practice leaders to anticipate client and business needs, ensuring operational readiness and agility.
Collaborate with the trademark practice leadership to ensure consistency in resources and management within IP.
Oversee the evaluation, implementation, and optimization of patent operations software and technology platforms.
Manage relationships and contracts with third‑party vendors and service providers.
Develop and deliver executive‑level reports and presentations highlighting performance trends and strategic recommendations.
Monitor KPIs, operational data, and productivity metrics to guide decision‑making.
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving patent law regulations.
Represent the firm in industry groups and forums related to IP operations.
Travel to all firm offices on a quarterly basis to ensure consistent operational oversight.
Qualifications
In‑depth knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent prosecution processes, docketing systems, and patent operations infrastructure.
Demonstrated experience building and scaling operational systems for large patent prosecution teams.
Expertise in IP docketing and data management platforms, with proficiency in EFS, PAIR, EPAS, WIPO, and PTO Financial Manager.
Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
Exceptional communication and influencing skills, engaging effectively across all levels of the organization.
Strong analytical and financial acumen, interpreting and leveraging operational data to drive decisions.
Ability to lead through change, inspire high performance, and foster a collaborative, high‑trust culture.
Strategic mindset anticipating business needs and developing long‑term solutions.
Commitment to client service excellence and continuous improvement.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and patent management software platforms.
Exceptional written, verbal, and organizational skills.
High level of discretion and professionalism handling confidential information.
Travel Requirement Travel to all firm offices on a quarterly basis is required.
Reporting Reporting to the IP and Regulatory Practice Group Director.
Compensation Anticipated range: $168,000 – $251,250.
Benefits Comprehensive benefit program covering healthcare, life insurance, HSAs, FSAs, and wellbeing.
#J-18808-Ljbffr