KYRIAKY (KAY) ROBERTS
Trumbull,CT
Summary
Detail-oriented IP paralegal supporting patent and trademark prosecution, docket control, and deadline tracking across domestic and foreign matters. Handles Office Actions, IDS filings, trademark maintenance, client communication, and legal correspondence while keeping files, billing, and reporting accurate and current.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Paralegal
Ware Fressola Maguire & Barber LLP
Trumbull, Connecticut
01.2025 - Current
- Delivering essential paralegal support to IP Attorneys utilizing solid understanding of domestic/foreign intellectual property procedures in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of patents and trademarks
- Efficiently supporting patent prosecution efforts, including reviewing Office Actions, summarizing issues for drafting responses, preparing various forms, and other legal correspondence
- Managed IP docketing system to track matters and prioritized workflow to ensure timely adherence to key deadlines
- Filed Information Disclosure Statements using in-depth knowledge of IDS timing and content regulations and required fees.
- Meticulously preparing Oaths and Declarations, Assignments of Ownership, Powers of Attorney, and other formal documentation for signature and notarization
- Developing proficient knowledge of annuity/maintenance fee requirements ensuring instructions to third-party service providers are timely made to avoid loss of IP rights
- Handling client communication with professionalism, collaborating and coordinating with foreign associates on international filings, and drafting reporting letters
- Led strategic improvement initiatives to enhance team processes, driving operational efficiency and identifying cost-saving opportunities
Senior Legal Patent Coordinator
Unilever
Trumbull, Connecticut
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Led coordination of all areas of domestic/foreign e-filing including the preparation, prosecution, and maintenance of patent and design applications with the USPTO, EPO, and WIPO electronic systems
- Collaborated with patent attorneys to support clients throughout patent lifecycle, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of patent rules and regulations
- Effectively reviewed office actions and drafted responses
- Liaised with clients, examiners, and foreign agents, ensuring effective communication and professional relationship management
- Conducted prior art searches for the preparation and filing of Information Disclosure Statements
- Managed IP due diligence initiatives and generated comprehensive portfolio reports to inform strategic decisions.
- Organized regular global patent review committee meetings and recorded minutes
- Efficiently maintained electronic files in accordance with company procedures and standards safeguarding adherence within the department
Tax Coordinator
Diageo North America
Norwalk, Connecticut
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Successfully directed the operational functions of the North America Tax Team by supporting the various functions (State and Local Tax, Financial Planning & Reporting, Counsel, Audit, International, Transfer Pricing) in key compliance projects and simplification/productivity initiatives
- Project managed state return process, filed estimated payments and state extensions monitoring tasks and timelines to ensure deadlines met
- Coordinated SAP data retrieval and backup documentation for compliance and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Managed relationships with third-party vendors for outsourcing sales and use compliance, optimizing collaboration and efficiency
- Liaised with legal counsel and state authorities to resolve liabilities and maintain business licenses, certificates of registration, and organizational documentation
- Implemented property tax database to track all assessments and payments
- Functioned as Compliance, Controls and Ethics Ambassador for North America Tax, acted as Secretary of Indirect Tax Steering Committee, and served as Editor of Global Tax Newsletter
Administrative Assistant
Diageo North America
Norwalk, Connecticut
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Managed day-to-day activities for SVP of North America Tax and team across Norwalk, Miami, and Toronto, including calendar management, expense reporting, and travel arrangements
- Prepared high-level documentation reports, presentations, agendas, and organizational charts
- Streamlined the SAP PO creation and billing process to ensure compliance with Purchase-to-Pay policies and consistency with Engagement Letters/Statement of Works, handling vendor management and exemption documentation
- Developed department budget and monthly accruals process, tracked expenditures, submitted R&Os, and led status meetings to update senior stakeholders on progress
- Planned annual Global Tax Offsite, managing budget, coordinating international travel, speakers, agendas, presentations, and vendor and catering arrangements
- Developed department document filing and retention system, including managing Iron Mountain archiving, Research Library and subscription services
- Discretely handled highly confidential and proprietary business information in accordance with established company policies
Education
Notary Public -
State of Connecticut
05-2028
Paralegal Certificate -
University of Hartford
12-2023
Associate in Science - General Studies
Norwalk Community College
08-2017
Skills
- Legal research
- Document drafting
- Client communication
- Docketing system
- Docket management
- AppColl IP Management Software
- CPI Patent Management System
- Tussman Legal Billing
- CounselLink
- Microsoft 365 Office Suite
- SAP
- DocuSign
- Adobe Sign
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Vendor management
- Time billing
Custom
- Excellent Communication
- Stellar Organizational and Project Management Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Exceptional Attention to Detail
- Demonstrated Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Strong Client Service Orientation
- Adaptable and Quick Learner
- Positive Attitude
Timeline
Paralegal
Ware Fressola Maguire & Barber LLP
01.2025 - Current
Senior Legal Patent Coordinator
Unilever
01.2019 - 01.2025
Tax Coordinator
Diageo North America
01.2013 - 01.2019
Administrative Assistant
Diageo North America
01.2007 - 01.2013
Notary Public -
State of Connecticut
Paralegal Certificate -
University of Hartford
Associate in Science - General Studies
Norwalk Community College