2027 Future Talent Program - Intellectual Property Group - Intern

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, invites law students to join its IP Group for a 10–12 week internship May–August 2027. You will work with IP Group attorneys on patent drafting, filing, and prosecution, gaining exposure to IP strategy and collaboration with researchers.

You will be mentored to tailor your work, with a focus on intellectual property, patent law, and potential USPTO exam preparation, in a global biopharma context.

Qualifications

• Requires an undergraduate or graduate degree in science or engineering and must be a current law student pursuing a J.D.
• Candidate returning to school in fall 2027 and available for full 10-12 week internship.
• GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred.
• Strong interest in IP law and pharmaceutical industry.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications before USPTO and international offices.
• Collaborating with IP Group attorneys to analyze patents and applications.
• Assisting attorneys in formulating patent strategies for innovations.
• Counseling researchers on patent issues including freedom to operate and patentability studies.
• Supporting patent-related matters, including potential litigation and trademark matters.

Skills

IP law

Patent prosecution

Communication

Analytical ability

Education

Science/Engineering degree

Law student pursuing J.D.

Tools

USPTO patent bar exam

Job description

Job Description

Job Description The Future Talent Program features internships that last up to 12 weeks and will include one or more projects.These opportunities in our Global Support Functions Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.

Our Company's Intellectual Property Group (IP Group) is seeking two highly motivated law students to join our Rahway, New Jersey site for an internship of 10-12 weeks, for the period spanning May to August, 2027. The IP Group holds the critical responsibility of procuring and protecting our Company's patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property, playing a pivotal role in incentivizing scientific discovery and contributing to the development of important medicines in use today.

As an intern with the IP Group, you will not only contribute to our vital mission, but also gain invaluable knowledge and skills working on real-world projects that will set you on the path to a successful career at the intersection of the biopharmaceutical industry and the law. You will be paired with a mentor who will work closely with you to tailor your work and enhance your experience. You will work directly with IP Group attorneys, gaining hands‑on experience in crucial aspects of intellectual property law.

Likely Projects

• Participating in drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and patent offices worldwide
• Working alongside our attorneys to analyze our Company's and third party patents and applications
• Collaborating with our attorneys and our researchers to devise the most effective patent strategy for a specific innovation
• Helping our attorneys counsel our Company researchers on patent issues, including freedom to operate and patentability studies
• Assisting our attorneys in support of current or potential patent litigation
• Working with our attorneys on trademark strategy for our Company products and initiatives worldwide
• Assisting our attorneys with copyright matters

Logistics

Work Schedule: Five days a week, four of which are to be on-site Travel to different Company sites within the Northeast may be required

Required Education and Experience

• Candidate must have an undergraduate or graduate degree in a science or engineering field, and should be a current law student (1L full time, or IL or 2L part time) pursuing a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, returning to school in fall 2027
• Candidate must be available for the full 10 to 12 week internship

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Candidate should have a cumulative undergraduate or graduate GPA of at least 3.0
• Candidate should have a strong understanding of and interest in the pharmaceutical industry
• Candidate should have a strong interest in IP law and in taking the USPTO patent bar exam
• Candidate should have superior personal character and ethics
• Candidate should have strong personal communication and interpersonal skills
• Candidate should have excellent academic achievement and analytical ability

Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $39,908 - $111,111 USD. FTP2027 GSF2027

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

San Francisco Residents Only

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives

Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status and Relocation

Employee Status: Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term) Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date

Job Posting End Date: 10/9/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.