Patent Agent Intern – Intellectual Property

Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. seeks two Patent Agent Interns to explore the intersection of technology, law, and writing. You will work with attorneys, patent agents, and technical professionals across industries in Minneapolis or Des Moines.

Ideal for students or recent graduates with a strong technical background who want a career in intellectual property. The internship offers hands-on experience in drafting, analysis, and client work, and may lead to a future patent agent role.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or recently completed degree in engineering, CS, physics or related field.
• Strong written communication; ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Interest in IP law and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Participate in meetings with inventors to understand new technologies and innovations.
• Assist with drafting portions of patent applications including descriptions and summaries.
• Support prior art research and patentability assessments.
• Collaborate with attorneys and agents to understand prosecution strategy.
• Provide administrative support like document preparation and docketing.

Skills

Engineering background

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Interest in IP law

Education

Engineering/CS/Physics degree

Job description

Who We Are

Fredrikson is the premier Midwest-based law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally, and globally.

Who We Are

Fredrikson is the premier Midwest-based law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally, and globally.

Overview

We are seeking two (2) Patent Agent Interns to join our Intellectual Property group. This internship is designed to provide hands‑on exposure to the intersection of technology, law, and writing, working alongside attorneys, patent agents, and technical professionals across a range of industries. This role is ideal for students in an undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduates, with a strong technical background who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property. The internship is intended to serve as a potential pathway to a future Patent Agent role, although no guarantee of full‑time employment is made. Interns will gain meaningful experience supporting patent drafting, technical analysis, and client work, while developing the foundational skills needed for a career in patent law. The role will be based in either our Minneapolis office or our Des Moines office, with an expectation of being in‑office to support training and integration with the team.

Key Responsibilities Include

Technical & Invention Analysis

• Participate in meetings with inventors to understand new technologies and innovations.
• Review technical materials, including drawings, specifications, and data.
• Assist in analyzing and comparing technologies to identify key concepts and differentiators.

Patent Drafting Support

• Assist with drafting portions of patent applications, including descriptions and summaries.
• Support preparation of figures, flowcharts, and supporting documentation.
• Observe and learn claim drafting fundamentals.

Prior Art & Research

• Conduct research on existing patents and technical publications.
• Assist with prior art analysis and patentability assessments.
• Summarize findings in clear, concise written formats.

Collaboration & Learning

• Work closely with patent attorneys and agents to understand prosecution strategy.
• Participate in team discussions and training opportunities.
• Develop professional writing and analytical skills in a legal environment.

Administrative Support

• Assist with document preparation, organization, and filing support.
• Support docketing and deadline tracking activities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical field.
• Strong written communication skills, with an emphasis on explaining complex concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Interest in intellectual property law and emerging technologies.

Desired Qualifications

• Sophomore, Junior, Senior or graduate-level student, or recent graduate.
• Prior experience with technical writing, research, or laboratory work.
• Interest in pursuing the USPTO patent bar.
• Ability to think abstractly and identify key principles across complex concepts.

Program Details

• Timing: Flexible (summer or semester-based opportunities available)
• Hours: Full-time or part-time depending on candidate availability
• Location: Minneapolis, MN or Des Moines, IA
• Compensation: Paid - Based on Experience

About Fredrikson

With a reputation as the firm “where law and business meet,” our attorneys and staff bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to operate as business advisors, strategic partners, and legal counselors to our clients. To best serve our clients, we provide innovative solutions to legal needs while reflecting inclusion and diversity as core values. We offer highly competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits in a collaborative work environment. The firm’s 400+ attorneys serve clients through our ten locations around the world: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Mankato, MN; Bismarck and Fargo, ND; Ames and Des Moines, IA; Madison, WI; Saltillo, Mexico; and Shanghai, China. Visit www.fredlaw.com for more information. Fredrikson is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.