Intellectual Property (IP) Operations Specialist
Job description
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The Intellectual Property (IP) Operations Specialist will support Rich’s Legal team, by providing matter management support to a diverse and growing IP portfolio. Candidates for this position should have a passion for process improvement and possess exceptional attention to detail. The Specialist will help the IP Director define and drive strategic and operational initiatives with on-budget results as well as provide docketing and administrative support. Applicants should enjoy collaborating with various internal business units, outside counsel and vendors.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES
The Specialist will be responsible for maintaining Rich’s IP asset management software and electronic billing system and provide paralegal/administrative support.
IP Asset Portfolio Support (40%)
- Maintain the global patent and trademark dockets for Rich’s enterprise, ensuring complete accuracy.
- Design and prepare materials for cross-functional IP strategy teams
- Assist with the preparation and execution of legal documents, including notarization and legalization.
- Partner with outside counsel and vendors on all prosecution deadlines, obtain guidance from internal clients, and collaborate with IP Director to define required actions
- Monitor patent annuity and trademark renewal deadlines
- Prepare periodic docket reports
- Support records management and retention including transitioning paper files to electronic records
E-billing and Budget Administration (30%)
- Modify e-billing practices to improve data collection and reporting through development of KPIs
- Help enforce processes and policies to manage outside counsel usage.
- Collection and analysis of hourly vs. flat fee billing arrangements and prepare recommendations in alignment with business strategy
- Track budget and manage accruals.
- Troubleshoot invoice reviews and payments
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Accounts Payable and IT
IP Asset Management System Administration (30%)
- Design and execute data/document management procedures, dashboards and reports.
- Conduct database maintenance, updating and auditing.
- Develop and implement metrics to monitor performance
- Stay current on emerging trends and technologies related to intellectual property asset management systems.
- Assist in identifying and implementing tools to streamline new or existing practices, as well as managing design, rollout, and training for system enhancements
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
- BA or BS preferred
- Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn IP asset management database.
- Must be a problem solver, willing to work independently, handle confidential information with discretion, and accept responsibility for producing work that is consistently complete and accurate
- 1–2 years of experience with project management in-house or at a law firm
- Paralegal and/or clerical experience preferred
- Notary public preferred
- Proven track record of collaborating with cross-functional groups to set objectives and produce results
- Attention to detail, high quality work standards, the ability to prioritize and perform effectively under pressure, and professional responsiveness to all inquiries and other communications.
- Experience developing processes, standardizing workflow and implementing policies
#LI-BE2
#CORP123
#earlycareers
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Human Resources department at asc@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
colinoncars.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, colinoncars.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, colinoncars.com is the ideal place to find your next job.