FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 25 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.
At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you’ll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.
We are currently seeking an IP Trademark Paralegal to join our collaborative intellectual property team and provide essential support to attorneys handling a wide range of trademark matters, including document preparation, research, client communication, and coordination with foreign counsel.
The ideal candidate is detail-driven and proactive, with a solid grasp of trademark rules and procedures, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines with confidence.
This position can be based in Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Nashville, TN; or Washington, D.C.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare legal documents such as applications, registrations, renewals, notices, affidavits of use, appointments, and declarations of use for review, approval, and use by attorney for filing with the USPTO.
- Correspond with foreign counsel and, under the guidance of the attorney, provide instructions on applications, registrations, renewals, notices, affidavits of use, appointments, and declarations of use in their respective jurisdiction.
- Perform research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal codes.
- File legal documents with USPTO and foreign registration offices electronically (e.g. WIPO).
- Facilitate the legalization of documents for filing with foreign trademark offices (e.g., through the U.S. Secretary of State and/or applicable Consulate).
- Understand and follow the IP Practice Group’s procedures and record-keeping policies, including the use of NetDocuments for document management.
- Communicate directly with clients regarding trademark matters, including notifying clients regarding due dates, obtaining signatures, and providing updates.
- Utilize CPi Docketing software and review reports generated from CPi.
- Assist attorneys in other areas of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, including copyright work or licensing agreements.
- Assist the attorneys in preparing for meetings, hearings or mediations.
- Proofread documents prepared by attorneys.
- Act as witness or notary in the execution of documents.
- Accurately record time worked and enter time and description into time and billing system.
Job Requirements:
- Associates degree or Bachelor’s degree with a major in paralegal studies, or
- A Bachelor’s degree with an unrelated major, and have:
- A certificate from an ABA approved paralegal training program specializing in the area for which the candidate is being considered; or
- Two years’ experience in the area of specialization for which the candidate is being considered or other comparable experience; or
- Unique qualifications, experience, or training which fill a specific need within FBT Gibbons.
- Minimum of 3 years of Trademark Intellectual Property Paralegal experience.
- Ability to successfully complete the ID.me verification credentials necessary for a MyUSPTO account.
- Prior experience with docketing software. Experience working in CPI and PracticeLink is a plus.
- Accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects with time constraints and interruptions.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to work within established processes and procedures.
- Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
- Excellent client service skills, both with internal and external clients.
- Ability to communicate information in a clear, well‑organized, and professional manner, both verbally and in writing.
FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.
FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing. Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements.
The pay range for this role accounts for the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. For applicants physically based in Washington, D.C., a reasonable estimate of the current range is $52.00 - $62.00 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on skills, relevant experience and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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