USPTO Intern Program - Student Trainee

Imagine starting your career working side by side with intellectual property (IP) leaders as part of USPTO's Internship Program. Join us as part of a team that makes meaningful changes with a global impact across the IP Community! The USPTO is seeking interns who will gain hands-on experience at the agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks.

Duties

As a USPTO Intern, you will receive practical, virtual hands-on experience by engaging in a variety of diverse and challenging activities. This exciting opportunity is ideal for you if you're:

• Inspired by innovative environments that allow you to contribute to the accomplishment of organizational goals.
• Interested in engaging directly with agency leadership to gain insight into the USPTO mission by participating in regular senior level sessions.
• Desire to explore federal careers while completing your education.
• Enjoy learning through routine and recurring developmental assignments which will help acquire knowledge and understanding of functions, principles, practices, and methods used in the areas of innovation and intellectual property while completing your education.
• Committed to training and development on various topics relating to the USPTO and government service.
• Interested in getting experience in legal writing and analysis.
• Excited about assisting with special projects and new initiatives.
• A relationship builder who finds enjoyment in participating in group/team assignments and assisting with research, analysis, statistics and reporting out your findings.
• An effective writer who finds interest in drafting various documents and reports, creating spreadsheets and charts, etc., to present a variety of data and information.
• Excited to assist with IT projects that will change the way we do business.
• Enthused and interested in observing appeal hearings, cases, and panels.

>> APPLY on USAJOBS by 3/20/2026

>> LEARN MORE about the USPTO's comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

To Be Eligible for an Appointment Under the Pathways Internship Program you must meet the following requirements: Student applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled. Student Trainees must be in good academic standing, as defined by the institution they are attending. Generally, a student must maintain at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA) for undergraduate programs (cumulative; no rounding) and a 3.0 GPA for advanced degree programs. Individuals must meet the definition of a student throughout the duration of their internship appointment.

To qualify for this position, you must meet BOTH the Pathway Internship Eligibility requirements as well as the minimum Qualifications for the position.

To qualify for the GS-4 grade level: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree. Two full academic years of undergraduate credit hours determined by the college or university attended. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

To qualify for the GS-5 grade level: Completion of 4 full academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree. Qualifying education includes technical, trade, or vocational school; college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g., law school or medical school); or a post-secondary homeschool curriculum. All education beyond high school must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education

Please note that if you are a Spring or Summer 2026 graduate, you will not be eligible for this internship opportunity unless you are accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution seeking an additional degree (diploma, certificate, degree program, etc.) or an advanced degree. You must submit proof of acceptance along with your current transcripts for consideration.

Conditions of employment

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals and your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies. You must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a qualifying educational institution.

The full list of conditions and qualifications can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.