What work experience opportunities are available in patent work?

Work experience in an area related to intellectual property is an advantage when applying for a patent attorney or patent examiner role. It demonstrates to employers that you are committed to a career in patent law and know what the work involves on a day-to-day basis.

Getting patent law work experience

The European Property Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) run internships and work placements for students/graduates interested in becoming patent examiners – and such experience will look great on your CV, whether you choose a career as a patent examiner or as a patent attorney. The EPO offers placements at two times during the year: from March to June and from September to December with deadlines falling the preceding October and April respectively. You will have to meet certain language requirements and so you will undergo language tests during the selection process. WIPO’s internship scheme is held over the summer and is aimed at ‘senior students and young professionals’.

Internships or placements with patent attorney firms can be a little harder to find. It’s worth using the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorney’s directory of attorneys to find patent attorney firms in your area. If the firm of your choice does not offer formal placements, try contacting them speculatively to see whether they could give you a week’s work experience or even allow you to work shadow a patent professional. You may not be paid for your time but such experiences are likely to pay dividends in the future: they may lead to more formal opportunities later on and prospective employers will be impressed by the initiative you’ve shown in making speculative applications.

Other valuable work experience for patent law professionals

You don’t have to confine your work experience to the patent law sector to impress employers. Patent law employers will also value any time you spend within a law firm or a scientific or technical environment, as it will enhance your legal or technical understanding respectively. An advantage of getting work experience with a law firm is that you may spend some time in their intellectual property department.

Don’t despair, though, if you are unable to find work experience in these areas. What all employers essentially look for in potential recruits are indications that you would make a professional and competent employee. Any exposure you have to a working environment – be that a bar, a leisure centre or an investment bank – will give you valuable skills that will help convince employers that you are the best candidate for them.