Hybrid Trademark Paralegal II

at MSD

• Job title: Trademark Paralegal II
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: $87,300 - $137,400 per year
• Degree requirement: High School Diploma
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Rahway, United States

About the role

• Paralegal managing trademark portfolio for General Counsel's office at Merck. Preparing and filing trademark applications, supporting prosecution, and coordinating with foreign counsel.

Responsibilities

• Manage global trademark dockets and deadlines
• Conduct, review and analyze worldwide trademark clearance screens
• Prepare and file trademark applications; support prosecution, maintenance, and portfolio management
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on international filings and prosecution
• Review trademark watch notices
• Support broader IP matters, including corporate transactions, copyright, customs/recordations, domain strategy, and enforcement/oppositions.
• Prepare status reports and schedules as needed
• Communicate with attorneys and stakeholders regarding IP matters
• Review invoices in electronic billing system, ensuring compliance with billing guidelines
• Assist with quality assurance reviews of trademark records and filings
• Identify workflow improvements and contribute to process optimization, templates, and best practices across the team
• Coordinate with attorneys on special requests or complex projects
• Attend to other duties as assigned, with support of attorney as appropriate

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of trademark paralegal experience.
• Substantive trademark expertise: solid knowledge of U.S. and international trademark law, and prosecution, clearance, enforcement, and portfolio management processes
• Independent, reliable execution: works autonomously, follows through on commitments, and takes ownership of outcomes
• Organization and prioritization: excels at structuring workload, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem solving: identifies root causes, anticipates obstacles, and proposes practical, risk-aware solutions; explores alternatives and escalates thoughtfully when needed
• Technical proficiency: MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); trademark search/watch platforms (e.g., Corsearch, CompuMark); docketing systems (e.g., TIPMS, ANAQUA, WebTMS); USPTO website
• Detail orientated: maintains accurate records, proofs filings meticulously, and safeguards data integrity and confidentiality
• Learning mindset and innovation: stays current with trademark/industry trends; experiments responsibly with new tools and technologies (including AI) to improve efficiency and quality; documents and shares best practices

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days