Patent Engineer (Patent Agent)

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Your Impact Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

 Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Patent Engineer (Patent Agent) to join Legal IP - India Team. Caterpillar’s intellectual property group offers a very broad-based intellectual property practice.

 The preference for this role is to be based out of Chennai - Brigade World Trade Center

  What you will do

• International patent portfolio management
• Invention harvesting
• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications, and working with external counsel to have patent applications drafted and prosecuted for US, India and/or EP Jurisdiction; and
• General IP counselling
• Aftermarket Patent Lifecycle Development
• Patent enforcement work experience in India
• Knowledge of Indian Patents Act and US Patent Laws
• Experience in drafting and prosecution of Software/Electronics/Electrical Patents

• The candidate will work closely with Business Unit Patent Attorneys within the candidate’s assigned technology and product area to evaluate the patentability of innovations with specific attention to managing the preparation, drafting, and filing of patent applications and office action responses globally.
• Additionally, the candidate will draft approximately 10 patent applications annually and draft responses to select office actions.
• However, the candidate will primarily manage outside counsel for the majority of the candidate’s patent preparation and prosecution docket of work. 
• The candidate will be expected to work closely with attorneys, engineers, and service providers to collect relevant materials including any invention-related materials for preparing or having prepared, patent applications that are filed in the U.S., India, and globally.
• The candidate may be asked to perform research and analysis, provide guidance on a variety of patent and IP-related issues, and act as a liaison for interdepartmental initiatives.
• The Candidate must have the ability to work under strict deadlines with minimum supervision.
• The Caterpillar IP team has broad international exposure to IP matters and provides the opportunity to work closely with colleagues spread over the globe.
• The role will require a highly motivated individual that is looking for autonomy and flexibility but also looking to be part of an enthusiastic team.

What you will have 

• The preferred candidate will be a registered patent agent with the  Indian Patent and Trademark Office and must have a Bachelors’ degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in engineering in electronics/electrical/computer-science domain.
• Strong background with, 2 years of relevant engineering experience, plus 8-10 years of IP experience with patent protection of software, electronics, and electrical technologies related to construction equipment or automotive domain is highly desirable.
• Whether your experience has been in-house or in private practice, you must demonstrate strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and must also be prepared to undertake occasional business travel, including occasional travel to various facilities within India to liaise with inventors, business unit professionals, and other members of Intellectual Property.

Skills desired:

Products and Services : Knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge of product and service appropriately to diverse situations.
Level Basic Understanding:
• Describes how own unit's products and services fit within the organization's as a whole.
• Cites examples of how clients are using the organization's products and services.
• Collects research product information, service information and marketing literature.
• Identifies organization's flagship products and services.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail : Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Level Working Knowledge:
• Accurately gauges the impact and cost of errors, omissions, and oversights.
• Utilizes specific approaches and tools for checking and cross-checking outputs.
• Processes limited amounts of detailed information with good accuracy.
• Learns from mistakes and applies lessons learned.
• Develops and uses checklists to ensure that information goes out error-free.

Analytical Thinking : Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Level Working Knowledge:
• Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue and determining its significance.
• Makes a systematic comparison of two or more alternative solutions.
• Uses flow charts, Pareto charts, fish diagrams, etc. to disclose meaningful data patterns.
• Identifies the major forces, events and people impacting and impacted by the situation at hand.
• Uses logic and intuition to make inferences about the meaning of the data and arrive at conclusions.

What you will get:

• Work Life Harmony
• Earned and medical leave.
• Flexible work arrangements
• Relocation assistance

Holistic Development

• Personal and professional development through Caterpillar ‘s employee resource groups across the globe
• Career developments opportunities with global prospects

Health and Wellness

• Medical coverage -Medical, life and personal accident coverage
• Employee mental wellness assistance program

 Financial Wellness

• Employee investment plan
• Pay for performance -Annual incentive Bonus plan.

 Additional Information:

Caterpillar is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

EEO/AA Employer. All qualified individuals, including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

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