Michelle Washington, CP

• Reviewed and organized client documents for patent applications.
• Proof and format patent application documents, such as the specification, claims, drawings, and information disclosure statements.
• Created and updated IP Portfolios for clients.
• Communicated directly with inventors regarding their invention disclosures and assisted them in understanding the process of obtaining a patent.
• Responded to client calls and inquiries to deliver applicable information.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing responses to Office Actions from the USPTO.
• Prepared preliminary drafts of assignment agreements relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property rights.
• Maintained docketing system to track all deadlines associated with patent prosecution.
• Worked closely with foreign associates on international filings through PCT and Paris Convention processes.
• Attended meetings with clients to formalize patent applications, formalize drawings and obtain signatures of Inventor documents and Declarations.
• Coordinate with outside draftsman to formalize drawings for use in filing patent applications in time to meet filing deadlines.
• Verified accuracy of facts contained within assignments before filing them with the USPTO.
• Organized files, prepared correspondence, created spreadsheets, managed databases, as needed by attorneys handling patent prosecution matters.
• Organized legal documents in company filing systems and databases.
• Provided support services for attorneys during due diligence investigations on potential acquisitions or investments of intellectual property assets.
• Researched background information concerning entities involved in assignments or transfers of intellectual property rights.
• Compiled evidence necessary to establish priority dates under Paris Convention requirements.
• Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
• Updated and maintained databases with current information.
• Assisted with client and foreign associates requests and answered questions to improve firm relationships with our clients and foreign associates.

Trademark Paralegal

2007-2019

• Corresponded with clients regarding status of their trademark applications or other matters related thereto.
• Filed renewals and recorded transfers of ownership with the USPTO.
• Assisted attorneys with preparing and filing trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
• Prepared invoices for services rendered by firm in connection with trademark matters.
• Created and updated case management and client account databases.
• Monitored deadlines for filing documents with the USPTO.
• Proofread documents prior to submission to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Conducted comprehensive trademark searches to identify potential conflicts.
• Maintained online docketing system for tracking all trademark matters in progress.
• Organized and maintained physical files for each client matter as well as electronic database records of all filings made by firm on behalf of clients.
• Provided assistance in evaluating potential infringement claims.
• Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

IP Litigation Paralegal

2012-2017

• Consulted with attorneys and case teams to establish workflows supporting efficient document reviews.
• Assisted with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing witness files, and drafting jury instructions.
• Reviewed discovery responses and generated privilege logs.
• Organized exhibits and arguments to present evidence on behalf of clients.
• Analyzed incoming data from sources and provided detailed reports to case teams.
• Organized and prepared case exhibits and evidence for trial.
• Coordinated service of process among all parties involved in litigation matters.
• Prepared deposition summaries and tracked deadlines for filing of briefs or other documents.
• Filed pleadings and appeals with court clerks to expedite trial proceedings.
• Performed variety of automated support tasks necessary to prepare, organize, index, develop and manage exhibits, evidence and data relevant to cases.
• Coordinated implementation of document databases for legal team document review and production.
• Knowledgeable dealing with pleadings, affidavits, motions and exhibits.
• Proofread documents prior to submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Organized large volumes of data into databases for use in document reviews or case management systems.
• Attended hearings, mediations and depositions as needed to support attorneys' work product.