What Is a Patent Docket Specialist?
Patent law is a complicated maze of filing dates and deadlines. Patent docket specialists have their fingers on every patent and trademark application filed by their law firm.
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Responsibilities
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The docket specialist's job begins when the patent application is filed. Generally, all mail pertaining to the application goes through the docket specialist. Upon opening the mail (or electronic acknowledgments), the specialist notes all due dates. If the application is allowed, the docket specialist also makes note of issuance fees.
Communication
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Most attorneys rely on the docket specialist to give them a heads-up as to upcoming deadlines. The specialist needs to be a tactful and clear communicator.
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Software
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Since a law firm may have thousands of domestic and foreign applications, software is required to track everything. Since docketing practices are so critical, many firms "double-docket" (use two different docketing systems). This prevents deadlines from falling through the cracks.
Other Responsibilities
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In addition to communicating with attorneys, the docket specialist may also be tasked with communicating routine matters to clients.
Compensation
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The average salary for a patent docket specialist is $46,000 as of March 2010, according to Simply Hired.com.
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References
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