Student Programs

If you are a student interested in engineering, science, and law, look into the engaging possibilities of a career at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in one of a variety of programs unique to the federal government workplace. Consider your options below:

Patent Experience Extern Program (PEEP)

The Patent Office sponsors an unpaid externship or student volunteer program. These opportunities are available in the areas of engineering, science, and law. These opportunities provide work experience related to a student’s academic program. Students will learn about our mission, as well as the responsibilities of various patent practices, including a practical working knowledge of the patent decision-making processes.

Students get to experience what it is like to be a Patent Examiner and work in our environment, as well as interact with experts in several disciplines, explore opportunities and develop or enhance their personal and professional skills.

Spring and fall programs are limited and are usually based on university recommendations per an existing agreement with the USPTO. Please contact your University’s externship coordinator for available opportunities. If your University does not currently have an agreement with the USPTO and would be interested in receiving more information we can be contacted at recruitment@uspto.gov.

Length of program: Generally about eight weeks.

NOTE: USPTO does not provide rooming and accommodation for this program.

Current Student Opportunities with the Patents Corps:
Patent Experience Externship Program (Non-Paid), PEEP-2013-0001

Student Volunteer Program (SVP)

Unpaid externships are available through this program, which allows students to gain valuable experience in their field of study. Volunteer positions may commence at any time, pending a signed student volunteer agreement between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the student and the student's college or university.

Students, who desire an externship other than for an opportunity as a patent law student or in the engineering and science disciplines, please note that there may be limited opportunities in the Trademarks and the corporate business units. These opportunities range from the human resources field, trademark law, information technology, international affairs, procurement, and other intellectual property-related areas.

Length of program: Generally about eight weeks.

Students get to experience what it's like to work in our environment, as well as interact with experts in several disciplines, explore opportunities and develop or enhance their personal and professional skills.

NOTE: USPTO does not provide housing accommodation for this program.

For more information about these opportunities, students may email inquiries to: studentinquiriesTMCO@uspto.gov