IP Docketing Manager

Job Description:

We are seeking an IP Docketing Manager in our Brookfield office where you will lead our docketing initiatives and ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of all patent and trademark docketing activities. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who combines deep IP prosecution docketing expertise with strong people management skills, and who is comfortable driving process improvement and systems change. You’ll set the pace for daily operations, mentor and train others, and serve as the go-to resource for complex inquiries — all while safeguarding data integrity. You’ll partner closely with agents, attorneys, vendors, and IT to refine processes and elevate our docketing platform. If you’re a proactive, solutions-driven leader who thrives on accuracy, coaching, and continuous improvement, we want to meet you.

You’ll be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:

• Supervise day-to-day operations of the IP docket work and serve as first-level response to docket questions and inquiries from the IP Team.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of all docketing.
• Lead and manage docketing staff by assigning work, monitoring workload, setting team priorities, and supporting the training and development of all our professionals.
• Own and maintain written docketing policies and procedures; monitor changes in U.S. and foreign IP prosecution rules and recommend procedural updates as needed.
• Maintain and execute systems for checking, verifying, and ensuring data integrity of the IP docket database.
• Generate, review, and interpret docketing metrics (volume, turnaround times, past due items, error rates); identify trends and present findings to department leadership.
• Coordinate and deliver docketing system onboarding and training for agents, attorneys, and business professionals.
• Design, prepare, and oversee reports (portfolio, renewal, and special reports) in coordination with agents, attorneys, and business professionals.
• Maintain and enhance functionality of the IP docket database, including coordinating with the IP docket database vendor and Information Services personnel to ensure that the IP docket database is sustained and upgraded as necessary.
• Perform the duties of the IP Docketing personnel as required.
• May be requested to perform other duties not mentioned above as needed.

The TOOLS you’ll bring with you:

• At least 5 years of comprehensive docketing experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. and foreign patent and trademark prosecution from inception through completion.
• Proficiency with IP docketing/management systems (e.g., CPI, PATTSY, Anaqua, or similar).
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-directed, self-motivated, possess strong organizational and time management skills, as well as analytical and problem-solving skills, and work with a high level of professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Ability to train and coach others, including designing and presenting materials for effective training.
• Ability to set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and take decisive action in complex situations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to exude professionalism at all times.
• Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands.
• Ability to evaluate and apply technology-based solutions to processes.

We provide these great perks and benefits:

• Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 401 (K) savings plan
• Education assistance
• On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service
• And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.