Patent Agent - Quantum/Physics

At Young Basile, patent agents operate on equal footing with attorneys, with the same compensation model, client development opportunities, and unlimited upside. Unlike many firms, our patent agents have a genuine path to substantially increase their compensation through both productivity and client development, without the artificial ceilings often associated with traditional patent agent roles.

Our dynamic, mid-sized IP law firm represents the world's leading computer software and hardware innovators, from early-stage startups to unicorns and global Fortune 100 companies. Our work spans cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, video encoding, quantum computing, and cloud computing. With approximately 50 attorneys and 30 staff across Michigan, California, and several other states, we offer the sophistication of a national IP practice with the collegiality and flexibility of a mid-sized firm.

We represent leading quantum computing and communications companies with a deep bench of experts. We are seeking a patent agent with a Master's or Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field, together with substantial experience in quantum technologies.

We have a highly collegial work environment where patent agents are treated as valued practitioners and are entrusted with meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction.

Salary: Base salary of $160,000 to $200,000, with additional income opportunities tied to productivity and client origination.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership of patent applications for important clients in the quantum technology space.

• Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications.

• Prepare responses to Office Actions and conduct examiner interviews.

• Coordinate and manage foreign prosecution strategies with international counsel.

• Work directly with inventors and clients to identify inventions, develop patent strategies, and advise on portfolio development.

Important Qualities

• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines without constant supervision.

• Clear, concise, and persuasive writing ability.

• Excellent technical aptitude and the ability to quickly understand complex technologies.

• Strong judgment and the confidence to manage matters independently.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of patent prosecution experience, ideally with at least one prior role at a large law firm or top-tier IP boutique.

• Significant experience with quantum technologies, including quantum computing, quantum communications, photonics, superconducting systems, quantum algorithms, or related fields.