IP Docketing Manager (Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT) (#4009)

We're seeking an IP Docketing Manager to join our Minneapolis, Denver, or Salt Lake City office to oversee the firmwide patent and trademark docketing team and ensure the accuracy, consistency, operational efficiency, and compliance of our high-volume patent, trademark, copyright, and domain name portfolios. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape firmwide docketing operations, strengthen risk management practices, and support our attorneys and clients in protecting and reporting on their most valuable assets. Are you a detail-driven leader with a passion for process excellence and intellectual property? If so, we would appreciate hearing from you.

In this role, you will:

- Manage operations of the IP Docketing Department to accomplish the established objectives of the department, including ensuring that all responsibilities have been met, and established performance requirements are adhered to.
- Manage all IP Docketing personnel including training, development and personnel matters.
- Conduct IP Docketing personnel performance reviews in conjunction with the firm's annual performance process.
- Evaluate staffing needs and ensure that work balance is distributed appropriately throughout the IP Docketing Department.
- Perform the duties of the IP Docketing personnel as required.
- Guarantee that all deadlines with relation to the IP docket database have been satisfied by the end of each business day by communicating directly with attorneys as needed.
- Troubleshoot problems and implement solutions, including database audit, file review, mail review, and/or communication with IP Docketing personnel including firm management, attorneys, and support personnel.
- Provide IP docket database training to IP docket personnel and other firm personnel as needed.
- Work with IP Practice Manager in the formulation of policies and procedures for the functions of the IP Docketing Department and ensure communication and implementation of same with IP docketing personnel.
- Establish standards for processing and forwarding of docketed items to ensure consistent docketing standards are met by IP docketing personnel across all U.S. offices.
- Serve as final decision maker, in conjunction with IP Practice Manager and IP stakeholders as needed, for all docketing policies, procedures and quality assurance.
- Monitor USPTO and Copyright Office/foreign rules, regulations and fees, and communicate changes to all relevant practice group members, review impact on practice and implement changes to ensure continued compliance with local requirements.
- Coordinate resources on client intake and transfer out processes.
- Coordinate with IP docket database vendor and Information Services personnel to ensure that the IP docket database is maintained and upgraded as necessary.
- Maintain current status of patent, trademark and copyright laws, regulations, and rules for U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.
- Monitor and maintain performance reports for statistical analysis.
- Provide docket-based reports upon request by attorneys and other firm personnel.
- Perform other duties not listed above as requested.

What we're looking for:

- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
- At least 7 years of comprehensive docketing and management/supervisory experience.
- Experience with FoundationIP or other IP docket database software.
- Advanced understanding and knowledge of domestic and international intellectual property and maintenance, including docketing systems and/or other automated databases.
- Experience with strategic planning, project implementation and training development is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of and experience with USPTO systems and resources such as PAIR, Patent Center, TSDR, TESS, and Saegis and international IP law databases.
- Ability to train, coach and supervise others, including designing and presenting materials for the effective training.
- Ability to set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities.
- Ability to take action when answers to a problem are not readily apparent.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to exude professionalism at all times, in all situations.
- Ability to perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands.
- Ability to evaluate and apply technology-based solutions to processes.
- Proficiency in MS Office Software products: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Strong written and communication skills; ability to work well under pressure and deadlines; critical thinking and analytical skills.

About Dorsey:

Dorsey & Whitney is an international law firm with more than 575 lawyers in 21 offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We are a premier legal counselor to companies worldwide in a wide range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey's benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

One of our greatest strengths is a friendly, cooperative culture that values and appreciates each individual. Dorsey has received external recognition for our welcoming workplace, including:

- Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
- Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
- 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
- Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
- Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Reasonable Accommodations:

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

How to Apply:

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the "Careers" section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey's online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

The pay range for this position in Minnesota and Colorado only is an annual salary of $107,270 to $138,820.

This range represents Dorsey's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through November 20, 2025.

Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

#LI-TC1
#LI-Onsite
#LI-Hybrid

Office Location:
Minneapolis, MN
Salt Lake City, UT
Denver, CO