Job Description
ENGAGEMENT: Patent Law Legal Researcher & Writer (Remote Independent Contractor)
START DATE: ASAP
TIME COMMITMENT: Estimated up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs and deliverables
COMPENSATION: Hourly consulting rate of $30-$35, depending on experience, invoiced monthly
TERM: Fixed 8-month engagement
A BIT ABOUT US
PCK Intellectual Property (“PCK”) is a leading boutique IP firm known for its exceptionally strong patent and trademark origination practice, acting directly before CIPO, the USPTO, and WIPO. We work with clients across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, protecting innovations in software, telecommunications, medical devices, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and more. Our co-founders are authors of Canadian Patent Law (5th edition), a treatise cited by the Supreme Court of Canada, reflecting our thought leadership in IP law.
We value diversity, inclusion, and a positive, collaborative professional environment.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
This engagement is structured as an independent contractor relationship. The contractor will provide research and editorial services to PCK’s CEO and Emeritus Co-Founding Shareholder in connection with the preparation of the 6th edition of Canadian Patent Law. Services will be delivered on a project basis in accordance with an established editorial workflow and agreed-upon deliverables, including:
1. Identification of Relevant Legal Materials - Identifying and reviewing relevant patent law materials for inclusion in the text, including:
- Canadian and foreign case law (with emphasis on Supreme Court of Canada and Federal Court jurisprudence)
- Statutes, regulations, and treaties
- Related secondary sources where appropriate
2. Case and Authority Indexing - Preparing and maintaining a clear and organized working index of cases and other authorities, including:
- Identification of the specific chapters and sections where each authority should be addressed
- Tracking how authorities relate to existing text and proposed additions
- Supporting efficient review and integration by the authors
3. Drafting and Integrating Narrative Text - Preparing draft narrative text for insertion into relevant portions of the textbook, including:
- Synthesizing new jurisprudence and legal developments with existing doctrine
- Matching identified authorities to the surrounding discussion in a consistent authorial voice
- Clearly flagging draft material, open questions, and areas requiring author review, correction, or refinement
In addition to the primary services described above, the contractor may also be engaged to research and draft blog content for the PCK website and the PCK IP Reporter, on average once per month (approximately 5 hours per post).
Additional services may be provided only as mutually agreed in writing within the scope of this engagement.
The contractor will be responsible for managing their own tax remittances as an independent service provider.
A Special Note: A contractor whose work consistently meets agreed quality standards over the term of the engagement will receive formal acknowledgement in the front matter of the textbook. This acknowledgement is intended to recognize substantive research and editorial contributions. The contractor will not be listed as an author or co-author, and authorship will remain solely with the named authors.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Demonstrated ability to produce publication-quality legal research and long-form legal writing (e.g., law journal articles, academic papers, substantial research work, or treatise-style writing)
- Strong legal research skills and comfort working with complex doctrine, dense source material, and detailed legal text
- Demonstrates a strong interest in intellectual property law
- Technical background in engineering, computer science, or a related field is an asset, but not required
- Research experience through internships, academic roles, or comparable professional environments is an asset
- Receptive to feedback and able to thoughtfully incorporate revisions
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with stakeholders
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter, résumé, and a writing sample to hr@pckip.com. Reference letters are optional but welcome.
PCK is committed to providing accessible recruitment and engagement processes in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process by contacting hr@pckip.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.