This role will be responsible for managing and supporting the Mars patent prosecution practice for the global Mars Wrigley businesses, including associated docket reconciliation.  This role will also support ongoing contract procurement, as managed by the Global IP team.  The IP Paralegal will assist the IP Legal team in ensuring consistent practices are followed within the team and across internal clients. This role will also be focused on driving Legal IP department efficiency, while building standard operating procedures and best practice guidance documents. One aspect of the department efficiency initiatives will also involve helping manage the IP Legal budget and outside counsel, including working with Legal Operations to propose and implement IP Legal budget processes that enhance budget transparency and drive compliance with budget objectives.  The IP Paralegal will work with team members located across the globe, as well as partnering with the global R&D organization.  The IP Paralegal will further assist in generating requested reports by team members to further support ongoing team operations.

This role will be based in Chicago, IL (USA)

What are we looking for?

• Patent Paralegal certification
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to function well in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• 7+ years of experience in global IP matters and patent prosecution management
• Strong knowledge of USPTO rules, including the MPEP and the AIA
• Experience managing a large, complex patent docket and legal matters globally
• Familiarity with First to File (FTF), Computer Packages Inc. (CPI) docketing software and/or other patent docketing programs
• Proficient use of PatBase and other patent searching databases
• Proficient use of spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) programs, manipulation of data and reporting (graphs, tables, etc) from these programs
• Experience with managing department budgets
• Experience docketing U.S., PCT, and foreign deadlines for patent matters
• At least 5 years of experience reviewing, managing and submitting documents to the USPTO, WIPO, and patent offices around the world
• Experience with template agreements and document management of agreements
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment to resolve complex problems
• Excellent communication skills, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Ability to learn new systems quickly

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Review and submit documents to the USPTO, WIPO, and/or other patent offices
• Prepare templates for USPTO Office Action responses and related USPTO forms for attorney review
• Send/receive correspondence from outside counsel
• Prepare template agreements
• Manage executed agreements
• Develop and implement patent portfolio management processes
• Drive docket deadline compliance
• Create relationships with clients, attorneys, and team members to be a proactive partner and drive engagement
• Deliver creative and original solutions for efficient firm and patent law department management improvements

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
• An environment where all Associates feel valued, supported and comfortable being themselves at work. 
• The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come. 

About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.