45 active postings · tracking 562 firms · refreshed 17 hours ago
Patent Attorney and Patent Agent Jobs in San Diego, CA
Openings for patent attorneys, patent agents and technical specialists in San Diego, CA, at law firms, IP boutiques and companies. Each posting comes from the employer’s own career page or a job board that names the employer; a posting with offices in several cities is listed in each of them.
45 open postings from 17 employers; the newest was added on October 19, 2026. Most openings: San Diego, CA (45), New York, NY (29), Washington, DC (27). Of the 40 that state their pay, the median range is $200k to $283k a year.
91% link to the employer’s own posting
100% show pay, posted or estimated
Visa sponsorship read from each posting’s own words
What patent postings that list San Diego, CA say they pay: ranges the postings state themselves, first seen in the last twelve months, open or closed, by role. A group needs at least 5 postings to show figures.
Posted pay in San Diego, CA by role
Posted pay in San Diego, CA by role
Role
Postings
Typical range
Median midpoint
Middle half
Patent Attorney
Postings29
Typical range$225k–$361k
Median midpoint$278k
Middle half$258k–$328k
Patent Agent
Postings10
Typical range$150k–$227k
Median midpoint$188k
Middle half$179k–$200k
Technical Specialist / Scientific Advisor
Postings7
Typical range$100k–$185k
Median midpoint$143k
Middle half$143k–$148k
All patent roles
Postings46
Typical range$204k–$272k
Median midpoint$253k
Middle half$188k–$299k
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Novartis (US) · San Diego, CA · Cambridge, MA · Posted Oct 16, 2026
Join Novartis as a Patent Attorney II, focusing on protecting innovations in biologics and pharmaceuticals. Provide strategic IP counsel, manage patent portfolios, and navigate complex legal landscapes.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$186k–$345kPostedIn-HouseSeniorNear the median for patent attorney pay
DLA Piper · Remote or San Diego, CA · Palo Alto, CA +3 · Posted Oct 14, 2026
DLA Piper seeks a Patent Agent with 3-5 years of experience in molecular biology for their Patent Development and Strategy Group, handling patent preparation and prosecution.
Patent Agent$120k–$225kPostedNo sponsorshipMid-levelNear the median for patent agent pay
Bristol Myers Squibb · San Diego, CA · Posted Oct 14, 2026
Lead IP strategy for RayzeBio's radiopharmaceuticals. Manage patent matters, analyze patentability, and oversee outside counsel. Requires 12+ years in patent prosecution with focus on small molecule/Chemistry.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$298k–$361kPostedIn-HouseHybridAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the company careers portal (Workday)
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Boston, MA · Washington, DC +10 · Posted Oct 6, 2026
Join Fish & Richardson as a Technology Specialist in IP, focusing on patent applications and advice for litigation. Ideal for candidates with a background in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
Technical Specialist$100k–$185kPostedHybridEarly careerNear the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Procopio · Remote or San Diego, CA · Posted Oct 6, 2026
Procopio seeks a Patent Attorney or Patent Agent experienced in electrical engineering, electronics, and software to draft and prosecute patent applications. Opportunity for hybrid work and various levels based on experience.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$190k–$325kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechNear the median for patent attorney pay
Procopio is seeking a mid-level Patent Attorney with 3-6 years of patent preparation and prosecution experience. Must have a background in electrical engineering and expertise in wireless communications.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$200k–$250kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechBelow the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit)
Perkins Coie · San Diego, CA · Palo Alto, CA +11 · Posted Oct 8, 2026
Join Perkins Coie's Los Angeles team as a Patent Prosecution Patent Agent focused on life sciences. Candidates must have 2+ years of prosecution experience, an advanced degree, and USPTO admission.
Patent Agent$150k–$225kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent agent pay
From the firm careers portal (Workday) · also on LateralHub
Jones Day · Boston, MA · New York, NY +2 · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Seeking a Patent Agent for Biological Sciences to draft and prosecute patents related to biotechnology, cell therapies, and diagnostics. Requires a Ph.D. and USPTO registration.
Patent Agent$150k–$250kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent agent pay
Jones Day · Pittsburgh, PA · San Diego, CA · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Join Jones Day as a Patent Agent specializing in bioinformatics and computational biology, handling patent application prosecution and portfolio management within innovative life sciences and tech sectors.
Patent Agent$150k–$250kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechAbove the median for patent agent pay
Jones Day · Boston, MA · New York, NY +2 · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Join Jones Day as a Patent Agent specializing in organic chemistry, supporting patent prosecution and portfolio management for life sciences clients. Ideal candidates have a Ph.D. and prior patent experience.
Patent Agent$150k–$250kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent agent pay
Novartis (US) · Cambridge, MA · San Diego, CA · Posted Sep 30, 2026
Join Novartis as a Patent Attorney II, focusing on protecting innovations in biologics and pharmaceuticals. Provide strategic IP counsel, manage patent portfolios, and navigate complex legal landscapes.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$195k–$361kPostedIn-HouseSeniorNear the median for patent attorney pay
Perkins Coie · Los Angeles, CA · Palo Alto, CA +5 · Posted Oct 8, 2026
Seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney with at least 2 years of experience in patent prosecution, particularly in life sciences. USPTO admission required. Role involves drafting, prosecuting patents, and client counseling.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$235k–$365kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalNear the median for patent attorney pay
Perkins Coie · Los Angeles, CA · Palo Alto, CA +5 · Posted Oct 7, 2026
Join Perkins Coie's Los Angeles team as a Patent Prosecution Patent Agent focused on life sciences. Candidates must have 2+ years of prosecution experience, an advanced degree, and USPTO admission.
Patent Agent$150k–$225kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent agent pay
Bristol Myers Squibb · San Diego, CA · Posted Oct 8, 2026
Seeking a Senior Counsel for Innovation Law at RayzeBio to develop and implement global IP strategies, manage patent prosecution, and provide strategic counseling for small molecule programs.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$257k–$311kPostedIn-HouseSeniorNear the median for patent attorney pay
Bristol Myers Squibb · San Diego, CA · Princeton, NJ +1 · Posted Oct 12, 2026
Bristol Myers Squibb seeks a Senior Patent Counsel/Patent Agent in San Diego, CA. Role includes patent preparation, prosecution, and strategic IP counsel in a collaborative environment.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$234k–$311kPostedIn-HouseMid-levelNear the median for patent attorney pay
Wilson Sonsini · Austin, TX · Boston, MA +9 · Found Oct 4, 2026
Seeking a collaborative and self-motivated patent agent with an advanced degree in life sciences to join as an IP specialist. Prior patent experience preferred but not required.
Wilson Sonsini · Austin, TX · Boston, MA +9 · Found Oct 4, 2026
Wilson Sonsini seeks a Patent Agent with a background in physics, engineering, or related fields. Advanced degrees required; experience in AI, quantum computing, or semiconductors preferred.
Perkins Coie · Washington, DC · Palo Alto, CA +8 · Posted Aug 13, 2026
Join Ashurst Perkins Coie's patent litigation group as a midlevel associate. Requires 3+ years of patent litigation experience and a degree in electrical engineering or computer science.
Patent Litigation Attorney$260k–$420kPostedHybridMid-levelAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (Workday) · also on LateralHub, perkinscoie.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA +10 · Posted May 29, 2025
Join Fish & Richardson as a Technology Specialist in Silicon Valley. Work on patent applications and advise litigation teams in semiconductor and electrical engineering. Enjoy a hybrid work environment and excellent growth opportunities.
Technical Specialist$125k–$200kPostedHybridMid-levelAbove the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Wilson Sonsini · San Francisco, CA · Silicon Valley, CA +6 · Posted Jun 20, 2024
Join Wilson Sonsini as an Associate in Patent Prosecution specializing in Life Sciences. Draft and prosecute applications, provide IP counseling, and supervise junior team members in a dynamic environment.
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Cooley · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA +1 · Posted Dec 8, 2025
Seeking an IP Litigation Attorney with 2-6 years of experience in life sciences patent litigation. Role involves court experience, client interaction, and case strategy. Ideal candidates have a biology or chemistry background.
Patent Litigation Attorney$235k–$390kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent attorney pay
Listed on LateralHub
Morrison & Foerster · San Francisco, CA · Silicon Valley, CA +5 · Posted Oct 27, 2025
Join MoFo's IP Litigation Practice as an associate attorney, handling complex patent disputes in tech and life sciences. Ideal candidates will have strong academic credentials and a background in hard or life sciences.
Patent Litigation Attorney$225k–$365kPostedNear the median for patent attorney pay
Listed on LateralHub
Cooley · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA · Posted Nov 19, 2025
Join Cooley as a Patent Agent/Advisor (Medtech) in Silicon Valley. Support patent prosecution and counseling with a focus in chemical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering. Competitive salary and benefits offered.
Patent Agent$125k–$228kPostedEarly careerBiomedicalNear the median for patent agent pay
Listed on LateralHub
Perkins Coie · New York, NY · Austin, TX +2 · Posted Sep 9, 2026
Ashurst Perkins Coie seeks a Patent Prosecution Technical Advisor in San Diego. Candidates should have a tech degree and interest in becoming patent agents. Work on drafting and prosecuting patent applications.
Patent Agent$140kPostedHybridEarly careerBelow the median for patent agent pay
From the firm careers portal (Workday) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA +9 · Posted Oct 23, 2025
Join Fish & Richardson as a Technology Specialist to draft patent applications, advise litigation teams, and collaborate on cutting-edge technologies. Ideal for those in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with patent prosecution experience.
Technical Specialist$100k–$185kPostedHybridMid-levelNear the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Wilson Sonsini · Silicon Valley, CA · Los Angeles, CA +6 · Posted Jun 4, 2025
Seeking a Patent Associate with 1-4 years of prosecution experience and patent bar membership. Background in engineering, AI, or life sciences preferred. Strong communication skills necessary.
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA +10 · Posted Apr 17, 2026
Join Fish & Richardson as a Technology Specialist focusing on video compression. Work alongside top IP practitioners and engage in patent application drafting and litigation support. Opportunity for growth in a hybrid work environment.
Technical Specialist$100k–$185kPostedHybridMid-levelNear the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Silicon Valley, CA · San Diego, CA +10 · Posted May 12, 2026
Join Fish & Richardson as a Technology Specialist (Chemistry) to draft patent applications and support litigation teams. Ideal for PhD holders with patent experience and a passion for IP.
Technical Specialist$100k–$185kPostedHybridEarly careerNear the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Eversheds Sutherland (US) · Remote or San Francisco, CA · Silicon Valley, CA +7 · Posted Mar 4, 2026
Eversheds Sutherland seeks a Patent Agent with 3+ years in patent preparation and prosecution, focusing on technology sectors like AI and cloud computing. Remote options available.
Patent Agent$150k–$225kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechAbove the median for patent agent pay
Jones Day · Boston, MA · New York, NY +2 · Posted Jan 1, 2026
IP Patent Prosecution Associate in Biological Sciences at Jones Day. Focus on patent prosecution for life sciences, gene editing, and biotech. Requires Ph.D. and USPTO registration.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$225k–$495kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent attorney pay
Jones Day · Pittsburgh, PA · San Diego, CA · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Join Jones Day as an IP Patent Prosecution Associate focusing on bioinformatics and computational biology, involved in patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP management for life sciences and tech clients.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$225k–$495kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechAbove the median for patent attorney pay
Jones Day · Atlanta, GA · Boston, MA +3 · Posted Jan 1, 2026
Join Jones Day as an IP Patent Prosecution Associate focusing on organic chemistry, assisting in patent prosecution and portfolio management for life sciences clients.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$225k–$495kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit)
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton · Los Angeles, CA · Chicago, IL +8 · Posted Sep 29, 2026
Join Sheppard Mullin as an IP Litigation Associate Attorney with 3–6 years of experience. Focus on patent litigation, ITC investigations, and PTAB proceedings. Strong analytical and writing skills required.
Patent Litigation Attorney$260k–$390kPostedMid-levelPTABAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (Flo Recruit) · also on LateralHub
Apple · Cupertino, CA · Washington, DC +1 · Found Oct 1, 2026
Apple seeks a Senior Legal Counsel for IP Litigation in Washington DC, focusing on patent disputes and intellectual property matters. A commitment to inclusion and diversity is emphasized in the hiring process.
Knobbe Martens · San Diego, CA · Los Angeles, CA +4 · Found Oct 1, 2026
Join Knobbe Martens as a Biotechnology Prosecution Associate. Requires Ph.D. in relevant biology fields and at least 2 years of experience. Competitive salary and benefits.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$200k–$350kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalNear the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm website
Knobbe Martens · New York, NY · Orange County, CA +5 · Found Aug 28, 2026
Knobbe Martens seeks a lateral associate with a life science/biotech background and 3-7 years of patent litigation experience, covering discovery stages and trial preparations. Advanced degree preferred.
Patent Litigation Attorney$230k–$305kPostedMid-levelBiomedicalNear the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm website
Duane Morris · San Diego, CA · Posted Jun 16, 2026
Position for a biotech IP associate or counsel focusing on patent prosecution and related tasks in intellectual property.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$315k–$455kPostedBiomedicalAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX +9 · Posted Oct 23, 2025
Associate position focused on patent prosecution in electrical engineering and computer science, requiring Japanese language skills, at any U.S. office of Fish & Richardson.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$235k–$310kPostedHybridElectrical / Software / High-TechNear the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX +9 · Posted Oct 23, 2025
Post Clerkship position for a Patent Litigation Associate at Fish & Richardson, with opportunities in any U.S. office location.
Patent Litigation Attorney$235k–$390kPostedHybridAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · Atlanta, GA · Austin, TX +9 · Posted May 12, 2026
Associate position focusing on patent prosecution in the chemistry field at Fish & Richardson. Remote work is possible from any U.S. office.
Patent Prosecution Attorney$225k–$260kPostedHybridChemicalBelow the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Fish & Richardson P.C. · San Diego, CA · Posted Mar 24, 2026
Associate role focusing on patent litigation in electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, and material science.
Patent Litigation Attorney$235k–$260kPostedHybridNear the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo · Boston, MA · New York, NY +5 · Posted Jul 21, 2025
Patent Litigation Associate at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo. Role involves working on patent litigation matters across various jurisdictions.
Patent Litigation Attorney$235k–$420kPostedAbove the median for patent attorney pay
From the firm careers portal (viRecruit) · also on LateralHub
Knobbe Martens · Irvine, CA · Los Angeles, CA +5 · Found Jul 13, 2026
Join Knobbe Martens as a Patent Scientist focusing on Computer Science/Electrical Engineering. Assist in patent procurement, evaluate technologies, and write patent applications. Requires a technical degree and patent experience.
Technical Specialist$125k–$170kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechNear the median for technical specialist pay
From the firm website
Knobbe Martens · Irvine, CA · Los Angeles, CA +5 · Found Jul 13, 2026
Join Knobbe Martens as a Patent Scientist in Physics to assist in patent procurement, evaluate new technologies, and write applications. A technical degree and patent prosecution experience are preferred.
Technical Specialist$125k–$170kPostedMid-levelElectrical / Software / High-TechNear the median for technical specialist pay
