The University of Tennessee Research Foundation provides technology transfer for the University of Tennessee and assists the University of Tennessee in cultivating an environment inclusive of scientific and entrepreneurial excellence. Through offices in Knoxville and Memphis, UTRF connects UT’s research community to industry and startups by strategically evaluating, protecting, and licensing technology.
Patent Coordinator Job Responsibilities
Reporting to UTRF’s VP, the position serves to assist in managing the intellectual property portfolio (“IP”) of patents, copyrights, and trademarks working in conjunction with the technology managers and other UTRF staff. Ensures UTRF’s compliance with UT’s PCIP policy, coordinates activities related to the execution of current IP operational processes and services.
Due to export control restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a green card.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Facilitate communications between the Technology Managers, patent attorneys, University researchers, and inventors, which requires knowledge about, the applicable patent policies and applicable University and departmental policies and procedures to effectively address/resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Responsible for reviewing Assignments, Declarations, Power of Attorney and other legal documents for accuracy and completeness and for handling related functions including: appropriate signature; ensuring original copies are recorded; and retaining/filing copies in database.
- Responsible for disclosing new innovation disclosures to sponsoring agencies, providing timely notification of election or declinations of inventions; recording patent term adjustment; and editing patent expiration date in database.
- Responsible for notifying, and communicating with, federal sponsors electronically (via iEdison) and/or in writing to non-iEdison agencies and maintain iEdison Federal Reporting System for federally sponsored inventions.
- Responsible for initiating and processing paperwork/docketing information in compliance with patenting procedural requirements.
The Patent Coordinator will support a culture of engagement and belonging by treating others with dignity and respect at all times, and by exhibiting conduct that reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The successful candidate is expected to contribute in measurable ways to the systemwide mission and fully embrace the systemwide Be One UT Values.
Requirements for Qualification
- The successful candidate will hold an Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 3+ years of experience in a professional environment.
- Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to prioritize work to meet stringent deadlines and handle urgent matters while staying on task with other assigned duties and responsibilities.
- Ability to gain a comprehensive knowledge about the overall organizational structure and operations administered by UTRF, including knowledge about applicable University and departmental regulations and guidelines related to patent, copyright and trademark issues.
- Ability to learn new software and use the software to its full potential.
- Computer skills to perform duties and responsibilities including Microsoft Office, and a Browser.
- Excellent grammar and proofreading skills, with strong emphasis on accuracy and application of business writing techniques, to compose business documents/forms that have a professional presentation.
- Ability to work independently, to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments while handling information/records containing confidential and sensitive data.
- Self-motivated to acquire continued knowledge about the patent prosecution process that can be incorporated into specialized skills to effectively assist with patent, copyright and trademark issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- The preferred candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree and have knowledge about patent prosecution.
In order to receive full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, resume, and three references.