* Select and draft for patent counsel review appropriate U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ('USPTO') forms to support all typical patent prosecution situations (e.g., all US patent application filing forms including different priority situations, cover sheets, fee calculation sheets, assignment cover sheets, oath and declaration forms, IDS forms, terminal disclaimers, amendments, appeals, PCT specification formatting and filing requirements, experience using USPTO electronic filing systems and e-Business Center tools etc.)
* Understand US Patent Application and Patent Cooperation Treaty rules to properly docket all actions received by the US Patent and Trademark Office, work with Consumer Health Division international filing operation to manage related work and deadlines
* Communicate with inside and outside counsel finance departments to resolve any billing irregularities concerning the patent and trademark invoices, provide financial reports when required and proactively manage USPTO deposit account
* Use Novartis docketing system to docket all requisite patent deadlines, prepare docket reports and keep track of deadlines, prepare budget reports and pull budget data.
* Work with outside vendors to obtain references, file histories, translations, court and other documents when necessary
* Use available electronic systems (e.g., Sharepoint) to organize materials for patent docket reviews
* Obtain required papers from inventors, inside and outside Novartis
* Work with attorneys to keep a cross-referenced filing system for all freedom to operate investigations, opinions, due diligence investigations and related contracts
* Support Patent and Trademark billing (including a substantial volume of trademark invoices)
* Administrative functions for patent and trademark attorneys, including expense reports, travel arrangements, setting up meetings, filing, etc.Education : B.A./B.S. and/or Paralegal Certificate from ABA Certified Paralegal Studies Program
Experience: Minimum 5 years experience in all aspects of US patent prosecution including PCT. Experience with PAIR and electronic patent application filing. Experience learning different electronic data systems and synthesizing data systems together to create more efficient work processes. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.