Senior Patent Agent
Zoro Tools, Chicago, IL, United States
Work Location
Work Location Type:
Remote
Job Number 329501
About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award‑winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High‑Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products.
Compensation The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $103,600.00 – $172,600.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and six free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and six company holidays per year.
6 % company contribution to a 401(k) retirement savings plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.
Position Details The Patent Agent reports to the Associate General Counsel, GTG & Endless Assortment, and supports Grainger's intellectual property portfolio. This role is responsible for patent harvesting, reviewing the patent landscape, and analyzing intellectual property to support innovation and business strategy. The Patent Agent serves as a liaison between legal and Grainger's business teams to identify, evaluate, and manage patent‑related opportunities and risks. Candidates with prior experience as USPTO Patent Examiners are strongly encouraged to apply. Remote/virtual candidates may be considered.
Employee Sponsorship This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g., OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.
You Will
Conduct patent mining activities to identify invention disclosures and innovation opportunities within Grainger's business units.
Conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses and competitive intelligence purposes.
Collaborate with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to assess patentability, strengthen Grainger's IP portfolio, and align IP strategy with business goals.
Manage and maintain the patent portfolio, ensuring all deadlines are met. Protect and maintain any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information.
Coordinate with affiliated legal resources (including outside counsel and in‑house IP paralegal) to grow internal patent knowledge. Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance innovation and patent culture across the company.
Maintain organized records of invention disclosures, prior art, and competitor patent activity.
Monitor and analyze patent trends in key technology areas relevant to Grainger's business.
Assist with the preparation of reports and presentations to leadership regarding IP strategy, portfolio status, and competitor activity.
You Have
Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field required.
Master's degree in science, engineering, or related field preferred.
3+ years of patent analysis, patent research, or intellectual property support required.
Experience as a USPTO Patent Examiner, Patent Agent, or equivalent IP role preferred.
Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in patent databases and IP management tools.
Ability to synthesize complex technical and legal information into clear, actionable insights.
Excellent organization, facilitation, and project management skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively partner with legal, technical, and business teams.
Familiarity with USPTO, EPO, and other global patent systems and procedures.
Experience working in a corporate IP or R&D environment preferred.
Registered US patent agent or eligible to sit for the USPTO required.
Equal Opportunity We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Accessibility We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation. #LI-remote
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Remote
Job Number 329501
About Grainger W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award‑winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High‑Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and MonotaRO.com offers more than 24 million products.
Compensation The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $103,600.00 – $172,600.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and six free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full‑time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and six company holidays per year.
6 % company contribution to a 401(k) retirement savings plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non‑birth parents.
Position Details The Patent Agent reports to the Associate General Counsel, GTG & Endless Assortment, and supports Grainger's intellectual property portfolio. This role is responsible for patent harvesting, reviewing the patent landscape, and analyzing intellectual property to support innovation and business strategy. The Patent Agent serves as a liaison between legal and Grainger's business teams to identify, evaluate, and manage patent‑related opportunities and risks. Candidates with prior experience as USPTO Patent Examiners are strongly encouraged to apply. Remote/virtual candidates may be considered.
Employee Sponsorship This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g., OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.
You Will
Conduct patent mining activities to identify invention disclosures and innovation opportunities within Grainger's business units.
Conduct prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses and competitive intelligence purposes.
Collaborate with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to assess patentability, strengthen Grainger's IP portfolio, and align IP strategy with business goals.
Manage and maintain the patent portfolio, ensuring all deadlines are met. Protect and maintain any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information.
Coordinate with affiliated legal resources (including outside counsel and in‑house IP paralegal) to grow internal patent knowledge. Support training and awareness initiatives to enhance innovation and patent culture across the company.
Maintain organized records of invention disclosures, prior art, and competitor patent activity.
Monitor and analyze patent trends in key technology areas relevant to Grainger's business.
Assist with the preparation of reports and presentations to leadership regarding IP strategy, portfolio status, and competitor activity.
You Have
Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related field required.
Master's degree in science, engineering, or related field preferred.
3+ years of patent analysis, patent research, or intellectual property support required.
Experience as a USPTO Patent Examiner, Patent Agent, or equivalent IP role preferred.
Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in patent databases and IP management tools.
Ability to synthesize complex technical and legal information into clear, actionable insights.
Excellent organization, facilitation, and project management skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively partner with legal, technical, and business teams.
Familiarity with USPTO, EPO, and other global patent systems and procedures.
Experience working in a corporate IP or R&D environment preferred.
Registered US patent agent or eligible to sit for the USPTO required.
Equal Opportunity We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Accessibility We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation. #LI-remote
#J-18808-Ljbffr