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[kjw5029]

I was offered a summer externship position at the USPTO for my 2L summer.  Has anyone lurking around on this site ever interned/externed there before?  I'm wondering what it's like.  I'm also wondering if anyone has an opinion about potential employers' perception of this sort of externship, especially compared with small law firm internships or internships with high tech companies.   

[patentgirl141]

Hmm, is this the Patent Experience Extern Program or Student Volunteer Program? I saw these two openings on the usajobs website. If you don't mind (you can PM me if you want), when did you apply, when did you hear back, and was it via email or phone call or snail mail? The first program sounds exciting although I'm not sure still exactly what they would have us do, and the scond program sounds more like legal writing than actual patent prosecution.

Thanks!

[kjw5029]

It's the Patent Experience Externship Program.  I applied through my schools law jobs site.  I applied maybe 3 weeks ago and heard back a week ago.  I got a couple calls, one from the hiring division director and the other from HR.  They said they were really flexible with what you could do there, including taking a stab at examining.  If you want more details, feel free to PM me. 

[sunsup]

Is this paid or unpaid?

[kjw5029]

It's for school credit or unpaid. 

[kjw5029]

If anyone has ANY thoughts or opinions, especially in relation to the original post with respect to high tech companies, it would be greatly appreciated.  I have a pressing deadline.  Even general thoughts would be very helpful.  Thanks!

[patentgirl141]

I think it's a great idea, why not go to the PTO and have that on your resume? IMO, that beats any IP law firm/high tech company or any patent prosecution work you were to get over the summer, especially (like you said) you have a shot at examining. And I know you said you are a 2L, but down the line, i don't think grades would even bother being asked the moment any firm/company sees that you've been at the PTO. have you taken the patent bar? do you have any prior IP or patent prosecution experience? are you interested in doing patent prosecution/work? sure, it's unpaid, but in this economy can you really ask for a summer IP job, and that too paid? i've never worked for the PTO, and i'm not trying to sell it, but i can't think of a compelling reason why you wouldn't take up this position.

just my $.02!

[horsechute]

If you are in law school, or planning on becoming a lawyer, you should try to clerk for a judge at the board of appeals. You might even volunteer to work at the Solicitor's office and try to make a good impression in case you want to apply there later. Short of that, I would not waste my time. Use your time more profitably by working, paid or unpaid, for lawyers in law firms or corporations, or even just studying patent law on your own while working any paid job.

You might consider contacting AIPLA via email and tell them you want to volunteer your time this summer working in the field of patent law, and tell them what your background and interests are, and ask them to forward your information to someone who might know where you should apply.

Just my view, but it seems pathetic to work for free while examiners get 40$/hour (or so) in overtime for work that they often do not even do. If you are going to volunteer, you can do a lot better than this.

[muffinru]

Congrats on your offer!

I was a little confused from the feedback and description for the PEEP program.  Were you interviewed, or did you simply hear back with an offer?  It seems that you heard back relatively quickly- that's promising!  I am at "referred to selecting official" status and waiting to hear more.

[cjesqip]

It's the Patent Experience Externship Program.  I applied through my schools law jobs site.  I applied maybe 3 weeks ago and heard back a week ago.  I got a couple calls, one from the hiring division director and the other from HR.  They said they were really flexible with what you could do there, including taking a stab at examining.  If you want more details, feel free to PM me. 

I'm signed up to do PEEP this year. Another student I know did it last year, and thought it was great. My advisor and a couple mentors also thought it would be a great opportunity. Whether or not this opportunity is great for you is probably somewhat dependent on whether or not you are considering being a patent examiner for a few years. But even if you want to quit examining after a couple years to become a patent attorney, I've heard more than one patent attorney refer to USPTO work experience as very valuable.