Legal Subject Matter Expert (SME) - China

Location
Shanghai
Workplace
Remote solely

About this role

Work Location: China, remote

Engagement Model: Freelancer / Independent Contractor

Project Duration: 3 months (with potential extension)

Work Schedule: Flexible hours, based on the applicant's availability

Language Skills Required: Mandarin Chinese

DataForce by TransPerfect is seeking experienced Legal Subject Matter Experts specializing in Chinese Intellectual Property and Patent Law to support AI training and model development projects.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with CNIPA procedures, patent prosecution, patentability analysis, claims drafting, intellectual property strategy, and Chinese patent regulations.

Main Responsibilities

  • Domain Oversight: Provide expert guidance on Chinese intellectual property and patent law.

  • CNIPA Expertise: Review matters involving CNIPA examination standards, filing procedures, office actions, patent prosecution, and administrative requirements.

  • Patent Analysis: Evaluate novelty, inventive step, patentability, prior art, claim scope, and infringement-related reasoning.

  • Claims Drafting: Draft, review, and refine patent claims and supporting patent documentation.

  • Data Validation: Annotate and validate datasets involving patent applications, legal opinions, prosecution documents, and IP-related materials.

  • Prompt Engineering: Assist AI teams with prompts requiring sophisticated patent analysis and legal reasoning.

  • Model Audit: Review AI-generated outputs for incorrect patent interpretations, improper citations, or flawed legal reasoning.

  • Regulatory Monitoring: Stay informed regarding developments in Chinese intellectual property law and CNIPA practices.

Role Requirements

  • Licensed Attorney, Patent Attorney/Agent, JD/LL.M. graduate, Senior Legal Researcher, or experienced IP Paralegal.

  • Minimum 3+ years of relevant intellectual property or patent experience.

  • Strong understanding of Chinese patent law and CNIPA examination standards.

  • Experience with patent prosecution and claims drafting.

  • Advanced Mandarin Chinese language proficiency.

  • Strong legal research, statutory interpretation, citation verification, and analytical writing skills.

  • Familiarity with patent databases and intellectual property research tools.

  • Familiarity with Generative AI or prompt engineering is a plus.

  • English proficiency is beneficial.

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