Job Responsibilities of Intellectual Property Paralegal Careers
The paralegal has to protect the intellectual rights of their clients, and dispute those who have infringed on the same. This can be related to infringement of a concept, thought or even a perception. Books, designs, content on the web, etc. are some of the examples of intellectual property. Some of the major responsibilities associated with being a paralegal include extensive knowledge about intellectual property agreements. As a paralegal dealing with patents you will have to conduct researches to deal with the legitimacy of claims which exist for patented ideas. There is a need to have regular correspondence with the U.S. Patent Office. Paralegals are provided training at both specialist and general levels and thus their responsibilities also include drafting correspondences, monitoring the deadlines for cases, drafting, investigations, maintaining client files, and analytic evaluation of documents.
As a paralegal dealing with patents you also have to act as a bridge between clients and disputed parties. Litigation is one of the most commonly utilized paralegal services, which exists in various areas like real estate and corporate sectors too. You have to be thorough with the records of the Patent and Trademark Office. The paralegal has to prepare reports along with analysis and reviewing of the documents. They also have to write documents, contracts, and agreements for their clients.
The paralegals should also handle case files for creating a firm database of documents, and keeping a log of the past clients. There are various areas where you can get employed including intellectual property firms, especially in the private sector. As a paralegal you also have to manage a database of documents which can be used precedence's. The working hours for paralegals are often prolonged with a great deal of pressure to meet deadlines.
Requirements
Academic and Training
Educational qualifications required for becoming an intellectual property paralegal include having an associate's degree from a community college. You can study further and get a bachelor's degrees or a certificate for paralegal training programs. There are paralegals that can get specialized credentials via the American Alliance of Certified Paralegals, National Association of Legal Assistants, and National Federation of Paralegals Association. However, the American Bar Association does not provide certification for paralegals, and hence they cannot be represented as ABA-certified paralegals. ABA only provides approval to the certification or educational program instead of certifying the paralegal.
Valuable training can be obtained while working under experienced legal professionals during internships or the initial stages of the career.
Skill Sets Required for Handling Intellectual Property Issues
To be a successful paralegal some of the required skills should include prompt action and presence of mind. You should have a sharp memory and remember information, laws, regulations, etc. You should be well organized to ensure that the client's data is secure with you. Effective communication skills, dedication and hard work are perquisites for commencing a career as a paralegal.
Employment Outlook
Career Prospects (globally) and Salaries
Paralegals dealing with intellectual property can get employment in insurance companies, corporate legal departments, real estate, banks, hospital and health care organizations. There are an array of professional trade associations and online companies which also seek help from the paralegals. Job levels include getting hired by consumer organizations or having their own independent practice as a lawyer or attorney.
According to recent statistical analysis reports the demand for paralegals is expected to increase by 22 percent in the next two decades. This would mean a formation of 53,000 new jobs which would make patent law one of the fastest increasing fields of law.
Salaries for intellectual property paralegals can range from $65,200 to $67,500 per year. Some of the common designations and associated salaries in the field are as follows:
- Property manager: $45,000
- Trademark paralegal: $47,000
- Paralegal specialist: $46,000
- Patent paralegal: $47,000
- Administrative manager: $50,000
- Paralegal: $43,000
- Commercial litigation paralegal: $42,000
With stricter norms being formulated for internet intellectual property rights, there has been a greater demand for paralegals specializing in this profession. Hence, the careers of paralegals can expect a great boom in the coming few years.
- See Top 10 Reasons Most Law Firms Have No Idea How to Hire and Evaluate Patent Attorneys for more information.
