IP Trademark Support Manager

At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.

Haynes and Boone is one of the largest law firms in Dallas, and it continues to grow. In 2023, Haynes and Boone moved its headquarters to a new 27-story office tower in the Harwood District of uptown Dallas. Lawyers in our Dallas office serve all the firm’s practice and industry areas – including corporate, litigation, banking/finance, insurance law, healthcare law, labor and employment, estate planning, real estate, bankruptcy, intellectual property, white collar crime, and antitrust. Our Dallas lawyers are widely recognized in their practice areas in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.) and the Chambers USA legal directory (Chambers & Partners). This office attracts high-energy, technically proficient people who enjoy working in a collegial environment. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

The Intellectual Property Trademark Support Manager is responsible for supporting the Trademark Practice Group practitioners and leadership with administrative, procedural, and support functions to ensure timely delivery of service to Haynes and Boone’s trademark clients. This individual must be innovative, have a growth mindset, good communication skills, and current knowledge of industry best practices.

Essential Duties

• Responsible for the firm’s Trademark Docketing staff and functions.

• Implement process improvements within the IP practice support procedures to improve the efficiency of the proper, reliable, and consistent trademark-related correspondence from clients, US and foreign trademark offices, foreign counsel, Haynes and Boone attorneys and staff, courts, and administrative bodies, etc.

• Maintain current knowledge of domestic and foreign trademark rules and procedures, including assisting with maintaining the.

• Assist with incorporating trademark law changes and updates into docketing practices and procedures, including updating the internal Docketing Procedure Manual as needed.

• Implement firm-wide operational procedures that increase efficiency while managing risk and ensuring the use of best practices and innovative ideas.

• Manage file intake and transfers out, including coordination of electronic and physical files.

Training

• Train staff, including docket clerks, paralegals, secretaries, file clerks, Intellectual Property and IT project specialists, and other staff, on trademark practice support standards, policies, procedures, and best practices, including proper use of the docketing and other systems. Coordinate regularly occurring training sessions for staff and Office Administrators and Supervisors regarding current procedures and workflow updates.

• Provide consistent scheduled training for IP staff on rules and law changes/updates.

• Coordinate regular training on trademark prosecution procedures and best practices for staff and attorneys.

Management

• Manage staff workflow, mentoring, provide feedback into performance evaluations and, counseling.

• Ensure proper oversight of workflow coordination of all trademark paralegals across the firm and implement appropriate quality control measures.

• Oversee the planning, implementation and tracking of projects related to broad changes and improvement initiatives to existing procedures and workflows.

• Assist with selecting and negotiating contracts as applicable.

Other Duties

• IPCOPS (IP Committee on Procedures) – Serve as a liaison between IPCOPS and staff to provide guidance on the establishment and/or revision of section procedures. Communicate section procedures to staff members on a regular basis.

• Coordinate and communicate with incoming/outgoing partners and departments on client file transfers.

• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Reporting Relationship

The IP Trademark Support Manager reports to the Office Administrator and will work closely with the Chair of the Trademark Practice Group and the IP Department Administrative Partner.

Subordinate staff: Trademark Docketing Personnel

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

5+ years of proven experience in the following areas: extensive knowledge of current USPTO and international rules and procedures is required.  A working knowledge of IP docketing procedures and software is required. Experience with PATTSY docketing database strongly preferred.  Candidates will have demonstrated knowledge and experience of general management and performance management, strong organization and project management skills, and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all personnel at all levels is a must.

Skills

The IP Practice Support Manager must have intermediate knowledge level utilizing of Microsoft Office Applications and must be organized, detailed oriented, deadline driven, and execute at a high level of proficiency.  The individual must possess strong client focus, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work both individually and as a member of a team.  The ability to professionally work with many different types of personalities at all levels within the firm is essential.  This individual must proactively communicate across teams and management consistently while maintaining confidentiality. The candidate must have strong multi-tasking skills and operate with a sense of urgency.

Education

The IP Trademark Support Manager should have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or related field, 5+ years of experience in a patent and trademark support function and 2 additional years of managerial experience.

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office up to 20% of the time to make copies, fax, file, interacting, etc.; Remains stationary at least 80% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis.  Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication (written and verbal) and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Working Conditions

Office Environment: working over 40 hours per week required.  Some travel between Dallas and Dallas-North office may be needed. Occasional travel to other offices is also required.