Senior Foreign Patent Advisor (Remote) ID: ARS-OTT-003 Location: Beltsville Program: ARS Wage/Hr: $75.00 Hours/Week: 22 Minimum Age: 55 For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States. NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). These experienced professionals provide administrative, scientific, and technical support to the Agricultural Research Service through the Experienced Worker Program (EWP). Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee. PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States. * This position will be open until filled. NOTE: This position has the option to work remotely. Qualifications: Minimum of 20 year(s) of experience in foreign patent paralegal work. OR BA/BS Degree in Legal Studies Notary Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint Duties: Provide advice and policy recommendation to the ARS Administrators and top-level program and administrative managers regarding the identification and management of the Agency?s intellectual property, providing internal policies and procedures for technology transfer related to the discovery, protection, and transfer of inventions and other technologies to private industry. The enrollee shall not sign federal documents, authorize the use of federal funds, nor initiate or conduct federally funded research projects. The enrollee shall not author articles for publication as a federal employee, nor coordinate scientific research between the Government and private industry. The enrollee shall not present themselves as a Government employee or Government representative at meetings both foreign and domestic or when coordinating federal agencies? areas of research. The enrollee shall not make decisions on federally based research on behalf of Government policy makers, and the enrollee shall not supervise any Government employees. Provides expert advice and recommendations on the: (1) desirability and availability of foreign patent rights; and (2) desirability to maintain U.S. Patents. Convenes a team of experts to review commercial potential of the technology, market conditions, potential partners, and other relevant factors. Monitors the status of new and existing license agreements and collects reimbursement of foreign prosecution costs and U.S. maintenance fees. 25% Provides expert advice and recommendations on the independent law firms and representatives that are contracted to perform foreign patent prosecution services on behalf of USDA and ensures that foreign patent rights are obtained in a timely manner. Prepares appropriate documentation including assignments, power of attorneys, notice of entitlements and other country specific documents for filing by the independent country. Obtains necessary certificates, affidavits and apostles from embassy and consulate representatives to perfect foreign filing requirements. Ensures all documents and instructions required for foreign prosecution are provided to the independent law firm. 25% Generates an estimate of monies required for foreign patent prosecution and patent maintenance costs on an annual basis and obligates sufficient funds. Reviews and evaluates the activities of contractors and validates that services are provided and completed. Ensures that all items billed by contractors are substantiated or withdrawn. Reconciles accounts with contractors on a monthly basis. On an annual basis, prepares a final reconciliation report and de-obligates any funds not expended. 25% Provides expert advice and recommendations in administering a program for foreign filing, execution and maintenance of government patents pursuant to Executive Order 9865 and Public Law 96-517. Performs research and analysis to determine the relative availability of foreign patent rights for agency-based inventions subsequent to their being filed for domestic patent protection. 15% Completes special tasks as assigned and participates on task forces and/or teams as directed. 10% Other: Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.