Deadline: 31 October 2010 (for applications)
Open to: Talented graduates who have recently completed a degree in law, international relations, European affairs, economics or communication (EPO member states)
Place: Internships are offered in the different sites, but primarily in Munich
Starting date: March (until June)
They are available in the following EPO departments:
- Communication Department and Change Support Team
- Legal Research and Administration
- Patent Information and European Co-operation
- Patent Law
- International Legal Affairs
- International Affairs
- Legal Division/Patent Administration
- International and Legal PCT Affairs
- IP5/Trilateral Affairs and International Organisations
- Institutional and General Legal Matters
- Legal Services The Hague
- European Patent Academy
- Brussels Bureau
Under the supervision of a lawyer or administrator, interns spend their four-month internship as follows: * learning about the department’s activities * building on the knowledge they acquired during their studies * familiarising themselves with various aspects of the European patent system * gaining first-hand experience of working in an international organisation
Availability
The number of places available is limited and is reviewed every year.
Financial support
The EPO provides interns with a contribution towards living costs of between EUR 500 and 750 per month (on condition that they do not receive financial support from any other source). It does not cover any other expenses. Interns must provide evidence of health insurance.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- hold a recognised university degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in the field of patent law or intellectual property. In the latter case, the main subject of the degree should be related to the work done in the department concerned. Priority will be given to applicants who either already have a postgraduate degree or who are currently studying for one.
- have completed their university degree no more than two years prior to the beginning of the internship.
- have a very good knowledge of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French and German) and a good knowledge of another.
- be nationals of one of the EPO member states
How to apply
If you would like to apply for one of these internships you can do so using our online application form. The form is in English, but you may complete it in French or German if you wish. You may submit your CV and/or motivation letter in any of these three languages. Applicants will be informed about the outcome of the selection procedure for the March-June internship period in January. Shortlisted applicants may be required to submit further supporting documents (e.g. university diploma) and may be interviewed by a tutor. Retrieve your draft application If you submit your application as a draft, you can retrieve it here. Please contact us for further information: internships@epo.org Official website
