Job Title

ENGAGEMENT: Patent Law Legal Researcher & Writer (Remote Independent Contractor)START DATE: ASAPTIME COMMITMENT:Estimated up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs and deliverablesCOMPENSATION:Hourly consulting rate of $30-$35, depending on experience, invoiced monthlyTERM:Fixed 8-month engagementA BIT ABOUT USPCK 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 SERVICESThis engagement is structured as an independent contractor relationship. The contractor will provide research and editorial services to PCKs 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 treatiesRelated secondary sources where appropriate2. 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 addressedTracking how authorities relate to existing text and proposed additionsSupporting efficient review and integration by the authors3. 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 doctrineMatching identified authorities to the surrounding discussion in a consistent authorial voiceClearly flagging draft material, open questions, and areas requiring author review, correction, or refinementIn 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 CANDIDATEDemonstrated 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 textDemonstrates a strong interest in intellectual property lawTechnical background in engineering, computer science, or a related field is an asset, but not requiredResearch experience through internships, academic roles, or comparable professional environments is an assetReceptive to feedback and able to thoughtfully incorporate revisionsExcellent written and oral communication skillsFluent in written and spoken EnglishAble to work independently while collaborating effectively with stakeholdersStrong organizational and time-management skillsHOW TO APPLYPlease submit your cover letter, rsum, and a writing sample to [email protected]. 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 [email protected] thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.