Nicole January
Swampscott
Summary
Dynamic Intellectual Property Manager at SUNSTEIN LLP with expertise in patent and trademark docketing and a proven track record in team leadership and training. Skilled in CPI database management and effective communication, I drive compliance and operational excellence, ensuring timely filings and fostering a collaborative environment for high-quality outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Intellectual Property (IP) Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
Boston
05.1996 - Current
- Manage daily and weekly review of patent and trademark deadlines, ensuring compliance with critical deadlines and regulations.
- Oversee distribution of monthly deadline reports to attorneys, ensuring timely updates and clear communication.
- Keep attorneys and paralegals informed on rule changes and procedural updates, ensuring firm-wide compliance.
- Develop, query, and maintain comprehensive database records using CPI, including country law updates and IP portfolio indicators.
- Support the seamless transition of attorneys into and out of the firm, including transferring patent and trademark matters and files.
- Lead training initiatives for new patent and trademark attorneys on office operations, workflows, and internal procedures.
- Collaborate with IT, office management, and accounting departments to ensure smooth operational workflows.
- Manage user access and permissions for various platforms, including the Financial Manager, Patent Center, and customer accounts.
- Update and maintain office manuals, trademark guides, and internal resources as needed.
- Coordinate and ensure proper reporting for all communications with new counsel for transferred matters.
Paralegal Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
Boston
05.1996 - Current
- Lead and manage a diverse team of up to 7 patent and trademark paralegals, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency in their work.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of patent and trademark filings, ensuring all deadlines are met and documentation is accurate.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and bi-monthly meetings to assess work quality, resolve issues, and ensure team growth.
- Train new paralegals on best practices, firm procedures, and IP-specific processes, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Monitor billable time, ensuring paralegals meet performance goals and contribute to client needs efficiently.
- Provide ongoing support to attorneys, ensuring paralegals are adequately covering all necessary tasks.
IP Assistant Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
Boston
05.1996 - Current
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the IPMail assistants, overseeing profiling and workflow tasks for USPTO and Trademark inboxes.
- Ensure efficiency and accuracy in the profiling and documentation of incoming client matters, providing guidance and training to assistants.
- Oversee and ensure compliance with workflow processes, offering assistance to the team and answering any technical or procedural questions.
- Conduct performance reviews for IP assistants and support their development to ensure high-quality work.
Paralegal
SUNSTEIN LLP
Boston
05.1996 - Current
- Supported all aspects of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark filings, including docketing, deadline management, and document preparation.
- Provided backup coverage to other paralegals in docketing, electronic filings, and client communication.
- Collaborated with attorneys to prepare yearly budgets for clients, ensuring alignment with business objectives and IP strategies.
Annuity Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
Boston
05.1996 - Current
- Managed all annuity deadlines and ensured compliance with payment schedules for clients.
- Maintained the annuity database (AMS), tracking payments and issuing reminders and advance invoices.
- Docketed annuity deadlines in CPI as a backup to AMS and confirmed payment statuses.
- Coordinated with clients to report official communications and ensure timely processing.
Education
Legal Certification Program -
Katherine Gibbs School
Boston, MA01.1993
Early Childhood Education -
Salem State University
Salem, MA01.1991
Skills
- Patent and trademark docketing
- IP portfolio management
- Deadline tracking
- Filing coordination
- Staff training and performance reviews
- Team coordination and collaboration
- CPI database management
- AMS proficiency
- Patent center operations
- Financial management
- Microsoft Office Suite expertise
- IP-related software knowledge
- Understanding of US and foreign IP laws
- Rule change awareness
- IP procedure development
- Clear reporting skills
- Effective communication with attorneys, clients, and internal teams
Timeline
Intellectual Property (IP) Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
05.1996 - Current
Paralegal Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
05.1996 - Current
IP Assistant Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
05.1996 - Current
Paralegal
SUNSTEIN LLP
05.1996 - Current
Annuity Manager
SUNSTEIN LLP
05.1996 - Current
Legal Certification Program -
Katherine Gibbs School
Early Childhood Education -
Salem State University