USPTO Patent Experience Externship Program (PEEP) Forum

[mx23250]

Has anyone here participated in this program? I was just offered a position this summer at the USPTO in Alexandria, VA and was curious what experiences past participants have had? I'm an 0L beginning law school this fall and while this is an unpaid position, I think it would be really good experience given my career interest in patent law. Any insights from past participants would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Spartan_Alum_12]

Can't answer your questions unfortunately but I did apply to the program a few weeks ago. When did you apply and how long did it take for you to hear back? What were your degree(s) in as well if you don't mind me asking? I'm still considering doing it if I get an offer. Unlike you, I'm a 1L and don't have anything spectacular lined up for the summer and this (may?) look good on a resume for someone going into patent law.

[mx23250]

Can't answer your questions unfortunately but I did apply to the program a few weeks ago. When did you apply and how long did it take for you to hear back? What were your degree(s) in as well if you don't mind me asking? I'm still considering doing it if I get an offer. Unlike you, I'm a 1L and don't have anything spectacular lined up for the summer and this (may?) look good on a resume for someone going into patent law.

Pm'd you.

[Kafkaesquire]

I just wanted to send my congratulations. As an undergrad, I have had no luck--twice--getting experience at the PTO. Getting a gig there is somewhat competitive, I guess.

[Kafkaesquire]

Can't answer your questions unfortunately but I did apply to the program a few weeks ago. When did you apply and how long did it take for you to hear back? What were your degree(s) in as well if you don't mind me asking? I'm still considering doing it if I get an offer. Unlike you, I'm a 1L and don't have anything spectacular lined up for the summer and this (may?) look good on a resume for someone going into patent law.

I've applied to the PEEP and to an editing internship. Both times, they literally never got back to me after my application had been accepted. I'm not too fond of the agency, anymore.

[mx23250]

I just wanted to send my congratulations. As an undergrad, I have had no luck--twice--getting experience at the PTO. Getting a gig there is somewhat competitive, I guess.

Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear you didn't have luck getting in there. I wasn't expecting to get an offer, to be honest. I do have a PhD and almost a year of work experience dealing with patents and patentability searches, so that probably helped. It's probably even more selective getting in as an undergrad I'm sure.

[Kafkaesquire]

I just wanted to send my congratulations. As an undergrad, I have had no luck--twice--getting experience at the PTO. Getting a gig there is somewhat competitive, I guess.

Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear you didn't have luck getting in there. I wasn't expecting to get an offer, to be honest. I do have a PhD and almost a year of work experience dealing with patents and patentability searches, so that probably helped. It's probably even more selective getting in as an undergrad I'm sure.

I only had decent grades and decent working experience. With your Ph.D, they would be lucky to have you in the PEEP.

I connected with e Finnegan litigator who went through the program. Though I was coming at him as an aspiring Patent Examiner, I think you may appreciate some of the advice that he gave me. First, everyone at the PTO is introverted, and you will have to go out of your way to network there, but do it. Try to never eat lunch by yourself, if you can. Second, stick your neck out for your superiors so that they vouch for you when you apply for an examiner position (that may not apply to you). Finally, you won’t necessarily work on anything that you can show future employers, so make sure you ask for it. Try to get a writing sample, or something else that is tangible, that you can take with you when you leave.

[patogordo]

i applied as a 1L and got accepted after about six weeks iirc. EE/limited work exp. don't they have some kind of status checker?

[Spartan_Alum_12]

i applied as a 1L and got accepted after about six weeks iirc. EE/limited work exp. don't they have some kind of status checker?

Yeah, they do. Mine has been stuck on "Application Received" for about a month. I have a BSEE + patent bar but no work experience. Hopefully I hear back within a couple weeks.

[Kafkaesquire]

i applied as a 1L and got accepted after about six weeks iirc. EE/limited work exp. don't they have some kind of status checker?

Yeah, they do. Mine has been stuck on "Application Received" for about a month. I have a BSEE + patent bar but no work experience. Hopefully I hear back within a couple weeks.

Mine went from "Application Received" to "Eligible," and remained there ad infinitum. And calling the agency to find someone with any meaningful guidance will reinforce every stereotype you have about the government.

[mx23250]

i applied as a 1L and got accepted after about six weeks iirc. EE/limited work exp. don't they have some kind of status checker?

Yeah, they do. Mine has been stuck on "Application Received" for about a month. I have a BSEE + patent bar but no work experience. Hopefully I hear back within a couple weeks.

My main status still says "Received", but if I click the link below it that says "more information" it goes to a page with a more specific status that previously said "application referred to selecting official" for about a month or two until I got the offer, then it changed to "you have been selected - we will contact you shortly".