Legal Externship

Serving the economic interests of America for more than 200 years, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for granting US intellectual property (IP) rights for patents and trademarks and providing inventors exclusive rights over their discoveries. It's an effort that contributes to a strong global economy, encourages investment in innovation, and cultivates an entrepreneurial spirit in the 21st century. The USPTO leads efforts to develop and strengthen both domestic and international property protection and advises the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the Administration on IP protection.

This volunteer service offers opportunities within the Trademarks and Corporate Business Units of USPTO. The program is intended to give students an opportunity to experience what it is like to work at PTO, as well as interact with experts, explore opportunities and develop or enhance personal and professional skills. Opportunities may be offered in all or some of the following offices: Office of the Under Secretary and Director, Office of Policy and International Affairs, Office of the Chief Communications Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Office of General Counsel, including Office of the Solicitor, and/or the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board.

Applications will be accepted from the first 250 applicants. This vacancy will close on January 23, 2015 or when the application limit of 250 is reached, whichever comes first.

Key Requirements
-- You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
-- You must complete a student agreement with the USPTO.
-- You must be currently accepted or enrolled in a qualifying institution.

Duties: 

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following activities working with legal fields:

1. Respond to staff requests for legal research in support of economic analysis into policies and programs affecting the United States intellectual property system, including, without limitation, the following tasks:

a. researching pertinent patent and trademark laws, regulations, and practices relevant to the economic data being analyzed; and

b. preparing explanatory legal memoranda for use in drafting economic analyses.

2. Assist the staff in responding to requests from other business units within USPTO for analysis and commentary on policy initiatives, draft reports or other forthcoming publications, including, without limitation, the following tasks:

a. researching pertinent laws, regulations, legislation, scholarly literature, and existing policy reports relevant to the issues under review; and
b. preparing explanatory legal memoranda for use in drafting responsive comments.

3. Assist in the preparation of reports and scholarly papers as needed, including, without limitation, the following tasks:

a. digesting roundtable transcripts, hearing testimony, and submitted written comments;

b. conducting further research into the legal and public policy literature; and
c. preparing explanatory legal memoranda for use in drafting the final report or paper.

If selected to participate for an externship, you will be expected to begin work on June 1, 2015, unless other arrangements are made with the selecting official. Your end date at USPTO will be no later than September 5, 2015.

You MUST apply online. Email, fax or paper resumes will not be accepted. Access the application and job posting at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390013200.