Paralegal 1, Intellectual Property 

LOCATION: Avon / Ohio (US-OH), United States | BRAND: Bendix | REQUISITION ID: 10236 | JOB GRADE: 13  

| ON-SITE/REMOTE: Hybrid 

Want to help shape tomorrow? At Bendix, we set the standard with advanced dynamic solutions that drive improved commercial vehicle performance and safety. We’re part of the Knorr-Bremse Group, the global leader in braking technologies. As part of our team, you’ll collaborate with a world of talented and dedicated colleagues whose sense of purpose complements your own. You’ll find rewarding opportunities, diverse experiences, partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Title:               Paralegal 1, Intellectual Property

Reports To:                   Assistant General Counsel - Intellectual Property

Date Last Revised:       April 23, 2026

Position Summary:

Provide administrative and technical support to the Intellectual Property (IP) Department, supporting U.S. and global patent and trademark activities.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in updating, maintaining, and independently managing an IP database management system, including creation and maintenance of patent, trademark, and general IP matters.


• Knowledge of U.S. and foreign IP country laws related to patents and trademarks.


• Support processing and monitoring of annual fee payments with external payment services.


• Maintain digital and physical patent and trademark files using a global IP management system.


• Maintain Invention Disclosure files and records; process invention disclosures from submission through review.


• Coordinate and support patent committee meetings, including logistics and materials.


• Provide administrative and general support to Intellectual Property counsel and Patent Department personnel (currently 4 persons).


• Prepare documents related to filing and prosecuting U.S. patent applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications before the U.S. Receiving Office.


• Prepare and process formal legal procedures and correspondence with U.S. and foreign patent and trademark offices, outside counsel, and foreign associates regarding prosecution and portfolio management.


• Independently docket, monitor, and follow up on deadlines for U.S. and foreign patents and trademarks.


• Manage intra‑company patent department correspondence to exchange patent and trademark application instructions and information with inventors and stakeholders globally.


• Distribute patent application and patent‑related documents to appropriate inventors and follow through to completion.


• Manage and support the patent recognition process, including awards such as Meritorious Invention, issued patents, and annual Patent Awards dinners.


• Assist in monitoring IP Department costs and expenses, including budgets.


• Conduct queries and brief searches in online databases and in‑house search tools.


• Evaluate internal databases to create listings, reports, and Excel and PowerPoint presentations; provide general support to IP counsel.


• Coordinate and manage calendars, scheduling, and general administrative tasks to support the department.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office products


• Proficient in working with and managing databases, preferably IP Databases


• Working understanding of USPTO and PCT documents and formal requirements for patent prosecution


• Knowledge of SAP and/or Ariba a plus

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience


• 1-3 years of patent/legal experience strongly preferred


• Experience in a corporate patent department or patent law firm environment preferred

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills


• Detail oriented with the ability to independently manage multiple matters


• Motivated, self‑starter; thrives in a team‑based environment


• Ability to multi‑task and manage deadlines effectively


• Ability to work cross‑functionally with confidence, discretion, and professionalism, including interaction with senior leadership


• Willingness to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities


• Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Thinks beyond the immediate task at hand

Education/Certifications:

• 2-year degree or Paralegal Certificate from an accredited ABA program required; 4-year degree preferred.


• Ohio Notary Public preferred

Position Requirements: 

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in [Specific City or Remotely] is $56,900–$85,300 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry and education. Knorr Bremse Holding Corporation is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations. Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 4% of annual salary. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Please note: At this time,  we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.