Description
Who we are:
For nearly 50 years, Oyen Wiggs has been one of Canada's leading intellectual property law firms, helping innovators, entrepreneurs, and global organizations protect the ideas that shape the future. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, our firm provides a full range of intellectual property services. Our lawyers, patent agents, and trademark professionals bring together diverse technical and scientific backgrounds, allowing us to understand complex innovations across a wide range of industries. Through our extensive network of trusted foreign associates, we help clients secure and protect their intellectual property around the world.
At Oyen Wiggs, our people are our greatest strength. Every member of our team plays an important role in delivering exceptional client service and contributing to our firm's continued success. We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace where ideas are valued, professional development is encouraged, and individuals are empowered to grow their careers.
Whether you are beginning your career or bringing years of experience, you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of Canada's leading intellectual property professionals, tackle interesting and challenging work, and make a meaningful impact in an environment that values excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
Join Us:
We are currently seeking a full-time, contract IP Legal Assistant to provide maternity leave coverage. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join a collaborative team consisting of a Partner, Senior Counsel, Associate, Paralegal, and other Legal Administrative Assistants. Our firm is committed to supporting both personal and professional growth, and this is an excellent opportunity for a candidate looking to develop their IP legal skills while working in a collaborative and supportive team environment.
The IP Legal Assistant will be assisting a team of professionals with a variety of functions, including docketing deadlines, document production, and assisting with stages of patent and trademark prosecution. This includes:
- Managing patent, trademark and design portfolios
- Conducting patent, trademark and design searches
- Filing patent, trademark and design applications
- Preparing Amendments and Responses
- Reviewing and reporting correspondence
- Communicating with direct clients and foreign associates
- Managing deadlines and general administrative duties
- Ability to perform other related duties as required.
The ideal candidate will bring with them a strong attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work, the ability to multitask and manage multiple deadlines and work well under pressure. We are also looking for someone with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and who can work independently and in a team environment. The ability to develop strong working relationships with colleagues and a positive, can-do attitude are key to be successful in this role.
The successful candidate will be required to work full-time in the office for a minimum of three months and will have the flexibility to work from home three (3) days a week as part of the firm’s hybrid work model.
Qualifications for this position include the following:
- Successful completion of a Legal Administrative Assistant or Paralegal certificate or diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a law firm, preferably within an intellectual property practice. Experience supporting patent and/or trademark professionals is considered a strong asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing procedures, deadlines, and correspondence. Experience with foreign filing processes is an asset.
- Exceptional attention to detail with proven experience drafting, formatting, proofreading, and editing legal correspondence and documents with a high degree of accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple files, prioritize competing demands, and consistently meet critical deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills and a client-service mindset.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Experience with legal practice management and document management systems is an asset.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment, initiative, and discretion when handling confidential information.
- A positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach, with a willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a high-performing team environment.
Our benefits package, together with opportunities for personal and professional growth include:
- Firm-paid extended health, dental, vision care, life insurance & A.D & D. benefits
- Disability Insurance
- Ten days of paid sick and personal time
- Fifteen days of vacation leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education/tuition allowance
- Health & Wellness Allowance
- RRSP Matching program
- Work From Home Allowance
- Cell/mobile phone subsidy
- Firm Social events
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume and cover letter in confidence to: [email protected]. Visit us at www.patentable.com.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those short-listed will be contacted. All resumes are retained and treated in confidence. No phone calls please.