What are the responsibilities and job description for the IP Paralegal position at Sherwin-Williams?
Here, we believe there’s not one path to success, we believe in careers that grow with you. Whoever you are or wherever you come from in the world, there’s a place for you at Sherwin-Williams. We provide you with the opportunity to explore your curiosity and drive us forward. Sherwin-Williams values the unique talents and abilities from all backgrounds and characteristics. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, including individuals with disabilities and Protected Veterans. We’ll give you the space to share your strengths and we want you show us what you can do. You can innovate, grow and discover in a place where you can thrive and Let Your Colors Show!
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
The Paralegal position is responsible for providing legal and administrative support to in-house counsel. Legal support includes, without limitation, those tasks and responsibilities generally performed by paralegals in law firms and corporate legal departments.
(1) IP/Trademark portfolio management, documentation, docketing and maintenance:
- Acquire and maintain knowledge of company systems, tools and processes and procedures related to the documentation and protection of IP assets worldwide.
- Collaborate with business units and corporate departments on the collection, preparation and filing of documents and related correspondence for IP assets.
- Assist attorneys with IP filings, correspondence and docketing and daily practice management.
- Possess and maintain knowledge of systems and procedures for protection of IP assets with government and administrative agencies worldwide.
(2) Intellectual Property/Trademark Support:
- Conduct computer searches to determine availability of proposed trademarks.
- Prepare and file domestic trademark applications, affidavits and renewals.
- Coordinate with foreign counsel to file foreign trademark applications, affidavits and renewals.
- Prepare documents necessary to assert or defend trademark oppositions and cancellations.
- Assist Corporate Counsel on the collection of information to file domestic and foreign office action responses.
- Monitor U.S. publications for potential infringement of the Company’s trademarks.
- Maintain electronic docketing system for trademark activities.
- Assist with M&A post-closing matters, including review of new trademarks, input into docket and assistance with updating chain of title.
(3) Docketing:
- Experience with advanced docketing software (including processing IP communications to and from outside/foreign counsel and the USPTO and docketing due dates as necessary), document preparation (including filing papers, draft responses), electronic filing, foreign and international IP filings (including corresponding with foreign associates), assisting attorneys with IP filing metrics, cost reduction projects and internal process efficiencies (including maintaining a best practices handbook for IP matters).
(4) Administrative Support:
- Administrative support may include, without limitation, the oversight and use of electronic matter management, docketing, billing and budgeting systems, the processing of new matters and the preparation of various reports and analyses.
“Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.”
FORMAL EDUCATION:
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution OR HS Diploma/GED Paralegal certification/Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- 5 years paralegal experience in a firm or corporate legal department
Preferred:
- 5 years paralegal experience in a firm or corporate legal department
- Familiarity and expertise with foreign IP rules, regulations and procedures
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: (TIME SPENT AWAY FROM HOME OR OTHER TYPICAL OFFICE LOCATION)
- 0-10%
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