Patent Paralegal

Join the leader in entertainment innovation and help us design the future. At Dolby, science meets art, and high tech means more than computer code. As a member of the Dolby team, you’ll see and hear the results of your work everywhere, from movie theaters to smartphones. We continue to revolutionize how people create, deliver, and enjoy entertainment worldwide. To do that, we need the absolute best talent. We’re big enough to give you all the resources you need, and small enough so you can make a real difference and earn recognition for your work. We offer a collegial culture, challenging projects, and excellent compensation and benefits. 

For this high functioning team, the nature of the work benefits from frequent in-office presence, and employees may be expected to work from a company office up to four days per week. While we remain committed to flexibility, this team’s rhythm includes regular in-person connection to support collaboration, learning, and impact.

The Legal Department provides core legal support to all Dolby functions, runs several IP-centric businesses, and leads government relations.

Dolby Laboratories is seeking a Patent Paralegal for a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA or Atlanta, GA. As a member of the IP Operations team, you will support the establishment and protection of Dolby’s intellectual property. You will coordinate U.S. and international patent filing and prosecution activities, working collaboratively with in‑house attorneys, patent agents, paralegals, and external counsel.

This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment, with attention to accuracy, consistency, and timeliness. You will regularly gather, interpret, and communicate information related to pending patent applications and matters of U.S. and international patent law.

Essential Job Functions

• Research, prepare, and draft legal documents for international patent filings and prosecution
  • Prepare accurate and well‑formatted U.S. and PCT applications and related documents using ePCT
    File PCT and U.S. patent applications electronically through Patent Center
  • Work with internal attorneys, agents, and international law firms, applying knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent rules and requirements to respond to office actions, complete formalities, and provide required materials and support
    Monitor deadlines and help ensure timely completion of all required actions
• Respond to inquiries regarding third‑party and Dolby patents from internal and external stakeholders
  • Research and provide accurate information regarding patent terms, key dates, priority applications, ownership, and related matters using internal databases, attorney reports, and external patent resources such as Patent Center, Espacenet, Patentscope, and international patent office systems
• Support compliance with established patent handling procedures
• Perform additional responsibilities consistent with the role, as assigned by the manager

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certification, or equivalent practical experience
• At least three years of experience supporting U.S. and international patent filing and prosecution
• Experience in both in‑house and law firm environments is a plus
• Working knowledge of U.S. and international patent filing procedures and rules
• Ability to read, understand, and accurately extract relevant information from legal and technical documents
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel
• Experience with Anaqua, MxHero, Box, or other patent and trademark docketing systems is a plus

The Atlanta Area base salary range for this full-time position is $72,000 - $96,000, and the San Francisco Bay area base salary range is $90,000 - $120,000, which can vary if outside these locations, plus bonus, benefits, and some roles may also include equity. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and perks and benefits for your location during the hiring process.

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Dolby will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of San Francisco Police Code, Article 49, and Administrative Code, Article 12

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Dolby is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends on the combined skills and talents of all our employees. We are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, marital status, family status, medical condition, disability, military service, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.