Paralegal - Intellectual Property

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. We're moving with urgency to become a Next Gen Good Neighbor, with technology that strengthens human connections and enhances the customer experience. As an employee, you'll spend less time navigating systems and more time applying judgment, empathy, and expertise in the moments that matter most.   LOCATION: 2 N. Riverside Plz Ste 1600, Chicago, IL 60606 HYBRID:  In this position, you should plan to spend time working in the office 3 days per week (60% in-office over the course of the year). Work arrangements could change over time based on business need. Your manager will share additional information regarding your department’s approach and what it means for you.   The team is comprised of several roles and levels including Legal Administrative Support, Legal Secretary, and Paralegal.  Grow Your Skills, Grow Your Potential Responsibilities This posting is for a position within the Intellectual Property (IP) Section of the State Farm Corporate Law Department assisting attorneys who manage patent, trademark and copyright portfolios, provide IP counseling, and manage IP litigation. This individual will regularly interact with outside counsel, and both executive and non-executive clients in business areas throughout the Enterprise.

Assist counsel with drafting and preparation of patent, trademark, and copyright filings, responses, and other legal documents. Review marketing and business-area content (e.g., product names, taglines, copy, imagery, packaging, and web content) to identify potential IP issues and recommend next steps for attorney review. Monitor and evaluate trademark watch and clearance/infringement alert services; triage issues and provide timely summaries of potential risks and deadlines for attorney review. Draft cease and desist letters for infringement matters under attorney direction/supervision. Support UDRP matters, including domain/registrant research, assembling documentary evidence, drafting factual/procedural materials, and tracking deadlines for filings and responses. Conduct legal and factual research and prepare written summaries/analysis for attorney review. Respond to inquiries from internal departments and external associates. Use IP docketing and case management systems (e.g., FoundationIP/Anaqua) and USPTO filing portals to manage matters and deadlines. May involve travel to job-related activities via driving a motor vehicle or by commercial transportation. Maintains paralegal competency by participation in continuing education programs. May work irregular hours, including weekends/holidays.

Required Qualifications: Paralegal degree/certificate (or equivalent education) and 3+ years Intellectual Proprerty experience. Deep understanding of patent/trademark filing lifecycles, including hands-on experience preparing/filing new applications (U.S. and foreign), drafting Office Action responses, and managing certain filings (e.g., patent Information Disclosure Statements (IDS), trademark Statements of use, and the like. Proven ability to monitor, maintain, and clear complex docketing deadlines. Demonstrated proficiency with USPTO electronic systems, including EFS-Web, Patent Center, and TEAS. Proficiency navigating the Copyright Office website and registration system. Familiarity with common IP and legal docketing tools (e.g. FoundationIP, Anaqua, CPI, etc). Experience performing IP risk reviews/clearance for business or marketing content, identifying potential trademark/copyright issues, and flagging matters for attorney review. Must comply with state paralegal codes (if applicable) and the Code of Professional Responsibility governing lawyer conduct and must strictly observe the department's confidential relationship with the client/employer.