Intellectual Property Assistant Internships
Intellectual property assistant internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience working alongside working patent professionals and IP practitioners, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across {{top_industries_phrase}}, with BAE Systems USA, Textron Systems, and Type One Energy among the employers posting roles now.
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See related jobsWhat Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Intellectual Property Assistant Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Intellectual Property Assistant Internship Search
Apply for summer roles in early fall
Large law firms and corporate IP departments close their summer intellectual property assistant intern cohorts well before spring semester begins. If you wait until January or February, the most structured programs are already filled. Set a reminder to start applications in September and October for the following summer.
Build a project file before you apply
Hiring teams for intellectual property assistant interns assess candidates on documented work, not years of experience. A prior-art search memo, a patent docketing sample, a trademark clearance summary, or a research brief showing how you organized IP materials gives recruiters something concrete to evaluate when your resume is otherwise short.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and professors teaching IP law or technology management often know which firms recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time, since those roles rarely appear through campus channels and widen the pool you can reach.
Practice explaining your research process out loud
Intellectual property assistant intern screens often include a research or analytical exercise where interviewers care as much about how you reason through the problem as the answer itself. Practice walking through a prior-art search or document review task out loud before your interview, narrating each decision, so the format is not unfamiliar when it counts.
Target structured IP internship programs at larger employers
Many large law firms and technology companies run formal summer associate or IP assistant cohort programs designed specifically to train people new to the field. These programs recruit early, fill fast, and offer mentorship and structured assignments. Identify the ones that match your background and submit in the first application wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 50% of the intellectual property assistant internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you search, then filter by location and work type so you spend your time on roles you can actually accept rather than sorting through listings that do not fit your situation.
Intellectual Property Assistant Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an intellectual property assistant internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For intellectual property assistant candidates, the concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a documented project file, case study, or patent research sample showing your analytical process. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where IP recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an intellectual property assistant internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For intellectual property assistant interns, what drives it most is performance on real client or prosecution work, available headcount on the team, and how early you signal interest before the return-offer window closes. Position for one by treating every assignment as evaluated work, without counting on the outcome.
When should I apply for intellectual property assistant internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large law firms and corporate IP departments recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often wrapping cohorts before spring semester starts. Smaller companies, boutique firms, and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so intellectual property assistant internship openings appear year-round and the best strategy is to check regularly rather than waiting for one season.
Are intellectual property assistant internships paid?
Most professional intellectual property assistant internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and it reflects meaningfully across law firm, corporate legal department, and technology employer settings. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it, so filtering for roles with disclosed compensation is the fastest way to compare what is available.
What should an intellectual property assistant internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history. For intellectual property assistant candidates, the most useful proof is a patent research sample, a prior-art search memo, a trademark clearance summary, or a case study showing how you organized and analyzed IP documentation, with the tools used named explicitly. Add relevant coursework in IP law, business law, or technical fields, and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote intellectual property assistant internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the intellectual property assistant internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from across the country, so apply early once you decide what works for your situation and use the work-type filter to see only the format you can commit to.
What is a patent prosecution internship for intellectual property assistants?
Patent prosecution internships place intellectual property assistant interns inside a law firm or corporate IP department working directly on active patent applications, from docketing deadlines to drafting office action responses under attorney supervision. These programs target candidates new to IP practice, recruit early in the academic year, and are competitive, so identifying firms running structured prosecution cohorts and applying in the first wave gives you the clearest advantage.
Can international students get intellectual property assistant internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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