European Patent Pipeline Program (EPPP)
Gain hands-on experience as life as a patent attorney
Murgitroyd is delighted to be a founding company of the European Patent Pipeline Program (EPPP). #
Based on the Patent Pipeline Program (PPP), launched by the National Council on Patent Practicum (NCPP) in the US, the EPPP was launched in 2023.
The EPPP program was developed in conjunction with Generating Genius and modelled after the successful Patent Pipeline Program (PPP) initiated by the National Council on Patent Practicum (NCPP) in the US.
What is it? #
The EPPP is a unique 10-week paid internship opportunity for STEM students to gain hands-on experience as a patent attorney. The internship is designed to fit around the studies of the candidates and takes place during the summer holidays.
Working closely with private practice patent attorneys and in-house industry patent professionals, this program seeks to widen access to the patent profession by breaking down some common barriers to entering the industry and providing a structured, tailored internship opportunity to bring this fantastic career to a wider audience.
The internship will take place within one of the collaborating firms alongside Murgitroyd - Kilburn & Strode and Withers & Rogers.
What the internship involves #
Throughout the 10-week program, you will be working in both private practice and in-house IP teams, gaining a unique insight of the role and career path of a patent attorney. You will shadow and learn from qualified patent attorneys and take on responsibilities and hands-on work experience of trainee patent attorneys.
In addition, there will also be the opportunity to work within a company’s in-house intellectual property (IP) team to observe the different work and business considerations at some of the most well-known companies in Europe.
Attending training sessions throughout this time, you will be kick-starting your career as a private practice patent attorney.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open - apply here!
As part of the EPPP, I had the opportunity to work with experienced attorneys from Murgitroyd and in-house IP teams at client sites. I highly recommend the program to anyone who wants to explore careers in IP.
Xiaoyao Yin - Patent Scientist & EPPP graduate
EPPP gave me a deep insight into the patent attorney profession. Working at Murgitroyd, as well as with in-house industry professionals, I learned about IP in both private practice and from the "client side".
Freya Buckett - Patent Scientist and EPPP Graduate
It was a really valuable experience that I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about working in IP.
Freya Buckett - Patent Scientist & EPPP Graduate
My 10 weeks on the EPPP programme were incredibly rewarding - I learned more than I expected. From an engineering background, I enjoyed discovering how different inventions work and how innovation meets law.
Kwesi Roberts - EPPP Graduate
I also appreciated the effort employees across Murgitroyd made to teach us various aspects of the Patent profession. I'd recommend the programme to anyone curious, to solve problems and eager to keep learning.
Kwesi Roberts - EPPP Graduate
I really enjoyed my time at Murgitroyd during the EPPP internship. I got to work on a range of different technologies and see how patents are handled across both private practice and in-house teams.
Kelena Mafina Assan Kojo - EPPP Graduate
The internship also gave me a real insight into what life as a patent attorney is like. It’s a role that involves a lot of reading and writing, and exams, but it’s also creative, challenging, and rewarding.
Kelena Mafina Assan Kojo - EPPP Graduate
I found the work environment at Murgitroyd really friendly and supportive, with a great the work–life balance. If you’re curious about a career in patents, I’d definitely recommend applying for this programme.
Kelena Mafina Assan Kojo - EPPP Graduate
Inclusive Recruitment Programme of the year #
We are proud to have won this award for our work on the EPPP programme. This recognition underscores our firm’s commitment to inclusive values and social responsibility as it seeks to celebrate the outstanding efforts of legal professionals who champion diversity, equity and inclusion, while also providing a prestigious accreditation for those committed to creating more inclusive work environments making them better positioned to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
