Patent Attorney

Summary

The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property seeks a registered patent attorney to advise on complex intellectual property, data rights, technology transfer, and commercialization matters involving DOE-funded research, National Laboratories, and Department programs.

Duties

• As a full performance Patent Attorney you will: Represent DOE's interests in intellectual property (IP), data, technology transfer, and commercialization matters across Departmental transactions, program designs, laboratory contractor engagements, and compliance and enforcement activities, to legally enable DOE's mission needs and priorities. Coordinate and advance DOE's position on IP and data rights by preparing legal analyses, drafting and reviewing provisions, negotiating terms in all agreement types, and supplying information and recommendations that support DOE's programmatic objectives. Interpret and apply federal and DOE IP, data, and technology transfer statutes, regulations, precedents, and policies, including the Bayh Dole Act, DOE IP title vesting statutes, other transaction authorities, and laboratory partnering authorities, to creatively resolve issues and advance DOE missions. Advise DOE officials, leadership, and program counsel on pending or potential IP and data issues affecting DOE programs, contractor operations, and technology transfer and commercialization, providing clear guidance on statutory interpretation, compliance obligations, and strategic options. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

Qualifications

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: All applicants MUST: Meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); AND Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: GS-12 Qualifications: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 1 of 2 of the following: Sound legal training from an accredited law school and bar membership; coursework or internship experience in intellectual property (IP) law. Ability to research and analyze IP and technology transfer issues, e.g., inventions, patents, technical data, copyrights, trademarks, publications, and licenses, affecting DOE programs and contractors, and prepare clear advice and work product, e.g., memos, provisions, determinations. GS-13 Qualifications: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following: Legal training and increasing responsibilities and experience in effectively handling transactions, compliance, program design, and other matters involving intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and related issues. Knowledgeable in federal intellectual property, data, and technology transfer legal frameworks (statutes, regulations, precedents, policies) and issues, and the ability to apply this to significant transactions, program designs, compliance, and other matters. Increasing responsibilities and experience in intellectual property, data, and technology transfer matters, and ability to prepare factually/legally sound advice and work product, both written and oral, with minimal supervision. GS-14 Qualifications: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following: Sound and authoritative knowledge of intellectual property, data, and technology transfer legal frameworks (statutes, regulations, precedents, policies) and issues, and the ability to advance the Department's policies and programmatic interests using that authoritative knowledge. Ability to provide sound legal advice, both written and oral including in real time, to DOE officials, handle broad and complex intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commercialization legal issues (including statutory interpretation), prepare counsel and provisions in complex matters and programs, and review documents for legal sufficiency. Increasing responsibilities and experience in intellectual property, data, and technology transfer matters, and ability to prepare factually/legally sound advice and work product, both written and oral, with minimal supervision. GS-15 Qualifications: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following: Sound and sophisticated understanding of advanced intellectual property, data, technology transfer, and commerci…

Education

Attorney positions do have an education requirement. ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; OR Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree. For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit: A copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.; AND You must provide proof of bar or your bar number. For the Patent Attorney series candidates MUST also have completed a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in a scientific, technological, or engineering field. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Department of Education Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.