Product Clearance & IP Research |  New York, NY

Amster Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP is seeking an Intellectual Property Paralegal with exceptional research skills to join our New York office. The ideal candidate will be a resourceful, independent researcher; trademark or other intellectual property experience is a plus but not required.  This position is not primarily a trademark prosecution role. The paralegal will work closely with attorneys on a broad range of intellectual property matters, with a particular emphasis on trademark and product clearance. This is a substantive role: in addition to managing product intake, the paralegal will independently conduct much of the factual research and due diligence that supports the firm’s clearance opinions, with significant responsibility from the outset.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in preparing trademark clearance and other intellectual property opinions, including gathering, organizing, and analyzing search results and supporting materials. and drafting factual summaries for attorney review.
• Manage the intake and initial review of products submitted for trademark and intellectual property clearance, including footwear, apparel, consumer products, and related product designs.
• Conduct due diligence on market products and their brand owners, including product launch dates, third-party products sharing similar design features, media and social media coverage, and advertising.
• Research relating to the litigation and enforcement history of brand owners using PACER, Docket Navigator, TTABVUE, and similar resources.
• Conduct Internet, database, and AI-assisted research relating to trademarks, patents, products, companies, and other intellectual property issues.
• Use appropriate artificial intelligence tools to enhance research efficiency, identify potentially relevant materials, organize results, and support attorney analysis, while exercising judgment, verifying sources and results, and following firm confidentiality and technology policies.
• Search for and compile potentially relevant prior art, patents, published patent applications, trademarks, products, and other publicly available materials in connection with patent and product-clearance matters, and conduct preliminary trademark searches of USPTO and other databases.
• Prepare reports, summaries, correspondence, charts, and other materials for attorneys and clients.
• Organize and maintain files, search materials, clearance records, and supporting documentation.
• Work with the firm’s existing trademark paralegal team on trademark prosecution and portfolio matters as needed, including overflow work.
• Assist with matters involving international trademarks and foreign trademark practice when needed.
• Perform general paralegal and administrative support for attorneys handling trademark, patent, and other intellectual property matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Exceptional Internet, database, and investigative research skills, including the ability to locate and organize information concerning trademarks, patents, products, companies, prior art, and litigation history.
• At least one year of relevant paralegal, research, litigation-support, or intellectual property experience.
• Working knowledge of U.S. trademark practice is a plus.
• Experience with trademark clearance, searching, opinion work, litigation support, or intellectual property research is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with USPTO databases (e.g., Trademark Search, TSDR, Patent Public Search) and court docket research tools (e.g., PACER, Docket Navigator) is preferred.
• Sound judgment and the ability to handle research assignments independently with limited supervision, including identifying which facts and materials are most relevant to the attorney’s analysis.
• Knowledge of, and practical experience using, artificial intelligence tools to support Internet research, information gathering, and organization of research results is strongly preferred.
• Ability to critically evaluate and verify AI-generated and other research results before they are used in attorney work product.
• Ability to review large amounts of information and organize relevant results clearly and efficiently for attorney review.
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, staff, and clients.
• Familiarity with international trademark practice and foreign trademark matters is a plus.
• Experience with fashion, footwear, or consumer products matters is a plus.

About the Firm

Since 1953, Amster Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP has focused exclusively on intellectual property law, representing clients domestically and internationally across a wide range of industries, including fashion and retail, financial services, technology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, medical devices, toys, housewares, entertainment, and consumer products.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, a collegial work environment, and challenging, engaging work.

Compensation for this position ranges from $65,000 to $100,000 per year, commensurate with experience, plus benefits.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their résumé to Michael Lafferty, Director of Administration & Operations, at mlafferty@arelaw.com for consideration.