Intellectual Property Paralegal

The Intellectual Property Paralegal will support the management and development of YETI’s trademark portfolio.  We are looking for an energetic, driven, and experienced IP paralegal to join YETI’s growing Legal Department. The right candidate enjoys learning and working hard in a collaborative environment.  We are looking for a paralegal who can assist in managing our current day-to-day trademark prosecution matters and portfolio management responsibilities, and someone who is willing to learn and work with other departments with positivity and enthusiasm.  Additionally, this position may also work on patent-related projects and conduct advertising and marketing reviews. The role is based in Austin, Texas and will report to the Sr. IP Strategy and Legal Operations Manager. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing trademark portfolio and coordinate with outside counsel under guidance.

• Coordinate with outside counsel for new filings, prosecution, and other trademark matters 

• Assist in managing annuities and renewals for IP matters  

• Formal document management: obtaining signatures for patent and trademark documents (i.e. declarations, assignments, Apostille certification, powers of attorney) 

• Collect Statements of Use and first use dates for trademark prosecution 

• Perform and analyze trademark clearance searches 

• Review and analyze trademark watch notices 

• Communicate with internal business teams regarding IP prosecution needs and deadlines 

• Conduct online investigations of possible infringements 

• Conduct copyright searching and application filing 

• Maintain trademark use guidelines for multiple jurisdictions 

• Review advertising and marketing materials for proper trademark usage and accuracy of marketing claims and sufficiency of corresponding substantiation 

Qualifications and Attributes: 

• Bachelor's degree required 

• Minimum of 5+ years of related experience as a trademark paralegal in a law firm or in-house legal department 

• In-house experience with managing a global portfolio is preferred 

• Strong understanding of domestic and international trademark processes 

• Working knowledge of patents, copyrights, trade dress and domain names 

• Excellent written and oral communications skills are essential, as are strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation 

• Highly motivated and excited to learn all facets of intellectual property 

• Advanced proficiency in the use of IP portfolio management and docketing software, and MS Office for the creation and editing of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations  

• Proficiency in conducting trademark clearance searches and managing trademark watch notices, preferably using CORSEARCH 

• Ability to build relationships with all levels of clients 

• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions 

• Ability to issue spot and escalate accordingly 

• Ability to work under general direction and seeks guidance on new or unusual situations 

• Highly organized and detail oriented with a strong ability to prioritize competing tasks 

• Ability and willingness to take initiative to address problems and make continuous process improvements 

• A sense of humor and commitment to professionalism, integrity, and collegiality 

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