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Patent Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Internships can be paid or unpaid based on experience. During the position, there will be opportunities to win prize money for contests to find successful prior art on specific patents. Unified ...

Intern

San Jose, CA · Remote

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Internships can be paid or unpaid based on experience. During the position, there will be opportunities to win prize money for contests to find successful prior art on specific patents. Unified ...

Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Internships can be paid or unpaid based on experience. During the position, there will be opportunities to win prize money for contests to find successful prior art on specific patents. Unified ...

Internship

Utica, NY · On-site

$17/hr

Northland Internship (Various Openings, see descriptions below) LOCATION ... Holland Patent or Syracuse HOURLY RATE: $17 per hour OUR CULTURE: At Northland, we don't believe in ...

... patents, internships, or contributions to open-source projects. • First-authored publications on language models, meta-learning, hypernetworks, or adaptive AI in recognized peer-reviewed ...

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Patent Internship information

See salary details

$46.5K

$117.9K

$157K

How much do patent internship jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent internship in the United States is $117,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $156,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent internship?

A Patent Internship is a temporary position, often offered to students or recent graduates, where individuals gain hands-on experience working with patent attorneys, agents, or examiners. Interns typically assist with patent research, drafting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and learning about intellectual property law. This role provides valuable exposure to the patent process and can be a stepping stone for a career in patent law or intellectual property. Patent internships are commonly found in law firms, corporations, or government agencies such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a patent internship?

As a Patent Intern, you'll typically assist with prior art searches, draft invention disclosures, and help prepare patent applications under the supervision of experienced patent attorneys or agents. You may also analyze technical documents, attend inventor interviews, and participate in team meetings to discuss intellectual property strategy. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the patent process and offers exposure to both legal and technical aspects of intellectual property management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Intern, you typically need a background in science, engineering, or law, along with strong analytical and research skills. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and tools like Microsoft Office is often required. Attention to detail, effective written communication, and the ability to learn quickly are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for accurately assessing inventions, drafting quality patent documents, and supporting the legal team in protecting intellectual property.

What is the difference between Patent Internship vs Patent Engineer?

AspectPatent InternshipPatent Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in STEM or lawBachelor's or higher in engineering, science, or law; often with patent bar qualification
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in law firms or corporate R&D departmentsFull-time professional role in patent law firms, corporations, or patent offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as entry-level position for students or recent gradsEstablished role for patent professionals involved in patent prosecution and strategy

While a Patent Internship provides hands-on experience for students or recent graduates exploring patent law or technology, a Patent Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for patent drafting, prosecution, and strategy. Internships serve as a stepping stone, whereas Patent Engineers hold more advanced, ongoing roles in the patent process.

More about Patent Internship jobs

What cities are hiring for Patent Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Patent Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Patent jobs?

The most popular types of Patent jobs are:

What states have the most Patent Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patent Internship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Patent Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 56% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,945 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Patent Classifier (Mechanical/Aeronautical/Civil Engineering)

Clarivate

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Join our team! We are looking for excited, inquisitive Classification Specialists (PCS) to join our Patent Search and Innovation Intelligence Services Team! As a PCS you will determine appropriate application classifications in accordance with the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system and the United States Patent Classification System (USPC) through technical knowledge, research, and automated tools.
About you - experience, education, skills, and accomplishments
  • Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field
  • Experience and/or significant course work in any of the following areas:
    • Transportation, construction, manufacturing, static structures, dynamic machines, packaging, mechanical power, transmissions, electromechanical systems, mining, molding, etc.
  • At least 6 months of work experience with research via work, internships, or volunteering
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Applicants must have resided in the U.S. for the past two consecutive years

It would be great if you also had...
  • Previous experience with intellectual property
  • Ability to work independently, without excessive supervision
  • The ability to use computer systems to perform research and classification operations
  • Ability to work independently to meet defined production and quality standards

What will you be doing in this role?
  • Mastering the patent classification process
  • Assigning classifications in accordance with the Cooperative Patent Classification rules and definitions
  • Classifying applications related to specific technologies
  • Continually expanding knowledge and expertise into new technologies
  • Working closely with others in a team environment

About the Team
The PCS team supports the unlocking of fresh thinking and the inception of technology initiatives for our clients throughout the world. Our teams of professionals join up ideas and action and connect people with people and people with technology to ensure that individuals and organizations fulfill their potential.
Hours of Work
Monday through Friday, 40 hours/week US time zones
This is a hybrid position working 2-3 days a week in office
Must reside within a commutable distance from Ann Arbor MI, Kansas City MO, Alexandria VA, Denver CO, Philadelphia PA, or Tempe, AZ
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-LP
At Clarivate, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons with respect to hiring, compensation, promotion, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. We comply with applicable laws and regulations governing non-discrimination in all locations.