Trademark Operations Manager

General Summary

The Trademark Operations Manager is responsible for the daily execution of business needs and operations of the Trademark practice for all firm locations. The position supports the Trademark Department Chair and practice leadership with the strategic objectives of the practice, as well as timekeeper productivity and development. This includes developing, maintaining, and disseminating new, modified, or existing policies and procedures for trademark prosecution, docketing, and dispute matters, both internal and external. The Trademark Operations Manager will understand and have proficiency in trademark docketing systems, USPTO and international filing systems, and other computer-related systems and services in support of the Trademark Practice, and will liaise with the Trademark Partners and the firm's administrative teams to support the department's goals associated with financial performance; project management; growth; talent development; technology and innovation; and other strategic areas of focus. Collaboratively lead efforts to improve trademark docketing, workflow, and productivity.

General Responsibilities

Process Improvement

Manage internal trademark practice improvement projects; evaluate current docketing and prosecution workflows to improve utilization of Trademark Department resources; develop process improvements and initiatives with the goal of gaining efficiencies across trademark filing, renewal, and enforcement processes.

Knowledge Management

Create and maintain templates of trademark best-practice documents; manage a trademark-related knowledge repository — catalog, manage, and curate a library of resources, precedent documents, best practices, and standard operating procedures; educate practice team members on same.

Operational Support

Coordinate with Billing, Accounts Payable, IT, Matter Maintenance, and other firm administrative departments on issues related to increasing efficiency and optimizing firm systems for the unique needs of the Trademark Practice. Serve as a bridge between the Trademark practice group and these departments.

Recruitment, Training and Development

• Assist with new hire recruitment, orientation, and training of trademark paralegals, docketing staff, and legal assistants.
• Train new attorneys on all trademark-specific administrative and docketing matters.
• Manage trademark Paralegals and trademark docket staff, including motivating, mentoring, coaching, and administering corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis and in accordance with firm policy and procedures.

Trademark Docketing Management

In coordination with the Trademark Practice Chair, manage relationships with vendors providing trademark docketing systems. Oversee and manage the trademark docketing software platform and administration of all docketing functions, including deadline calculation, status tracking, and reporting.

Practice Support

• In coordination with partners, manage workload among trademark attorneys and support staff; provide back-up support in all areas relating to the trademark practice, including assisting with special client projects and researching and advising on complex issues related to trademark filings, prosecution, and disputes.
• Stay up to date on trademark-related USPTO, TTAB, and international (e.g., Madrid Protocol) developments, and research and communicate the implications of same to the practice.
• Coordinate regularly scheduled department meetings to discuss pertinent trademark administrative and docketing issues, keep staff informed and updated, and collaborate with the team to develop and implement trademark-related policies and procedures.
• Manage attorney registrations and account access (e.g., USPTO, WIPO/Madrid portal, Corsearch/Clarivate, and Copyright Office accounts), trademark docketing databases and systems, and train new staff on relevant systems; set up client access to the trademark docketing system and provide training and ongoing support.

Skill Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in USPTO systems (TEAS, TSDR, TTABVUE) and familiarity with international trademark filing systems (e.g., Madrid Protocol/WIPO).
• Ability to manage trademark docketing systems and ensure accurate deadline tracking.
• Ability to constructively communicate (both in writing and orally) and work with others.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assist support staff with issues relating to use of Microsoft Office Suite, USPTO and trademark docketing systems, and other related software.
• Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in work, particularly with respect to trademark deadlines and filings.
• Ability to be proactive and to identify and address problems quickly and creatively.
• Ability to track and manage numerous trademark matters, projects, and initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to effectively communicate and "translate" the needs of the trademark practice to outside administrative departments.
• Ability to prioritize and resolve conflicting workload assignments, adapt to changing conditions, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a compensation range of $135,000 to $155,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. Staff may also be eligible for discretionary year-end bonuses and annual merit-based increases. The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off.