The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is offering exciting opportunities for students to join its Summer Internship Program for 2025. This program is designed for undergraduate, graduate, and law students interested in learning about intellectual property law and policy. The USPTO seeks to provide hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, helping students gain a deep understanding of patent and trademark processes while contributing to the agency’s mission to foster innovation.
Interns will be assigned to various departments within the USPTO, such as the Office of Patent Legal Administration, Office of Policy and International Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, and other operational units. Specific duties may include:
- Assisting with research and analysis of patent or trademark law and policy.
- Supporting patent examiners or trademark examiners in reviewing applications and legal documents.
- Preparing reports and presentations on intellectual property topics.
- Contributing to team projects related to intellectual property litigation or regulatory changes.
- Assisting in administrative functions, including document management, legal research, and preparing case files.
- Attending meetings and networking events to gain exposure to various functions within the USPTO.
- Education: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program, with a focus on law, intellectual property, engineering, computer science, business, or related fields.
- Academic Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- Legal Coursework: For law students, completion of foundational law courses in intellectual property is preferred but not mandatory.
- Previous internships or work experience in law, government, intellectual property, technology, or business are desirable but not required.
- Strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in intellectual property law and innovation are valued.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, professional environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- For technical students, experience with patent or technology-related topics is a plus.
- Compensation: Paid internship with competitive hourly wage (dependent on the student’s level of education).
- Professional Development: Opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in the field of intellectual property law.
- Networking: Attend networking events and career development workshops.
- Mentorship: Access to a mentorship program for professional guidance and career advice.
- Flexible Hours: Work hours can be flexible to accommodate academic schedules.
- Work Environment: Exposure to a collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and learning.
Interested candidates should submit the following materials via the USPTO Careers Portal:
- Resume: Highlighting relevant academic achievements, experience, and skills.
- Cover Letter: Explaining your interest in the USPTO Summer Internship Program and your relevant skills.
- Transcript: A copy of your most recent academic transcript.
- Letters of Recommendation : One or more letters of recommendation from professors or previous employers.
