Intellectual Property Operations Specialist

Role Summary

The IP Operations Specialist exercises advanced subject‑matter expertise across patent, trademark, and Anaqua (AQX) operations while collaborating closely with cross‑functional partners both within HP and across external vendor and counsel networks. This role applies a high level of independent judgment to drive operational excellence throughout the IP lifecycle—including docketing, renewals, filings, data integrity, and reporting—and leads complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with minimal oversight. The specialist contributes to the design, testing, and implementation of AI‑enabled workflow improvements within the IP ecosystem. In addition, this role may provide mentoring, guidance, and technical support to lower‑level team members to strengthen team capabilities and ensure operational consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• IP operations (patents & trademarks): Oversee end‑to‑end docketing, filings, renewals/recordals, portfolio maintenance, and data quality controls in AQX; enforce standards, naming conventions, and templates.
• AQX functions, permissions, queues, dashboards, and release readiness (UAT, triage, issue resolution); partner with vendor support and IT to deliver fixes and enhancements.
• Annuities governance: Orchestrate the monthly annuity cycle (decisions, instructions, reconciliations), ensuring accuracy, timely execution, and auditable records.
• Outside counsel & vendor management: Enforce operating guidelines, streamline intake, invoicing, and document hygiene; resolve issues proactively with clear escalation paths.
• Project & change management: Plan and deliver system upgrades, data‑cleanup initiatives, and process changes; manage schedules, and stakeholder communications.
• Risk, compliance & controls: Ensure adherence to corporate policies, confidentiality, data privacy, and records‑retention requirements across the IP lifecycle.
• Insights & reporting: Build operational dashboards (e.g., cycle time, backlog, data‑quality KPIs, renewal status, cost drivers) to inform IP leadership.
  
  

• Experience: 6–8+ years in IP operations (in‑house and/or top law firm), spanning patents and trademarks; 3+ years hands‑on with Anaqua (AQX) including workflow configuration, reporting, and data stewardship.
• Problem solving & ownership: Operates with minimal direction; anticipates issues and drives resolution end‑to‑end.
• Project management: Proven track record leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills; can translate operational detail into concise, executive‑ready updates.
• Systems & data fluency: Strong with AQX imports/exports and validation; comfortable with Excel.
• Education & credentials: Bachelor’s degree; paralegal certificate or equivalent IP credential preferred; Lean/Six Sigma exposure a plus.