Patent Agent - Lutron Electronics Co., Inc

Lutron is seeking a highly motivated entry to mid-level Patent Agent to join its IP team out of one of our Pennsylvania facilities (Coopersburg, Conshohocken, Philadelphia).  In this position, you will be responsible for providing a broad range of IP services to the company, both directly and in conjunction with external US and foreign IP counsel. Your focus will be on eliciting invention disclosures, drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide, and contributing to Lutron’s global IP strategy.  Responsibilities also include assisting with the analysis of competitive products and services for potential infringement issues, and assisting with the analysis of third-party IP rights. This position reports to, and works closely with, a Lutron Senior Patent Agent.

• Collaborate with company engineers to elicit invention disclosures
• Prepare and prosecute US and foreign patent applications with ongoing engagement with engineers and business leaders
• Manage US and foreign patent counsel in drafting and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Assist with the ongoing strategic maintenance and growth of Lutron’s US and foreign  patent portfolios
• Build and manage relationships with technical, business, and legal leaders to understand Lutron’s businesses and align its IP strategies with relevant R&D activities, commercialization plans, and business and technology strategies
• Assist in providing proactive, cost-effective, and efficient IP advice and services tailored to the needs and priorities of Lutron’s business units
• Assist in analyzing potential risks to Lutron’s worldwide products and businesses regarding third-party patent rights
• Prepare, obtain, and analyze patent searches and work with IP attorneys to provide assessments on patentability, non-infringement, and validity
• Assist with potential third-party patent licensing requests and patent allegations regarding Lutron products and businesses
• Provide competitive analysis support regarding potential infringement of Lutron patent rights
• Work closely with the internal IP team to continually develop the IP Department to improve processes
• Assist with the development of educational materials and training Lutron personnel on IP issues, and support the development and implementation of, and compliance with, internal policies and procedures
• Maintain expertise in US patent laws, regulations, and processes and working knowledge of global patent laws, regulations, and processes
• Follow and master relevant technology developments, both internally and externally

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related discipline
• Minimum, cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all related degrees earned
• USPTO Patent Bar registration
• 1+ year of experience drafting patent applications and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications
• Willingness and ability to travel to US engineering offices as required, up to 10% of your time
• 3+ years of software or hardware engineering experience preferred 
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the electrical and software fields, with additional experience in mechanical and design applications preferred
• Experience as a patent agent with a mix of law firm and in-house experience or solely in-house experience

Lutron Electronics’ position as the worldwide leader in innovative lighting control and shading solutions has enabled consistent, annual growth. Our company has cultivated a reputation of unsurpassed quality, a broad range of technologies and product offerings, and a strong commitment to servicing our worldwide customers. This has allowed the company to invest in developing new technologies and services, expand our technical capabilities and global presence, and to find and retain the best talent.  Build your career with Lutron where you will enjoy competitive compensation and benefits while exploring many options for continued growth and education. Make a difference every day in our dynamic, people-centric, technology-driven organization. For more information, view our website at  www.lutron.com. 

Lutron Electronics is an Equal Opportunity – Affirmative Action – Employer. We welcome qualified, motivated applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics