Patent Infringement and Licensing Opportunity Identification
Analyze a partner’s patent portfolio, flag valuable patents, identify competitor products, map claim coverage, and assess licensing potential.
For Law Students
Real Projects.
Practical IP Experience.
Externs learn core IP principles, complete a real project for a partner company, and present their findings to that company’s in-house counsel. Presentations take place at the partner’s place of business, culminating in an end-of-semester trip to the partner’s office.
Apply to be an extern
- 15 to 25 hrs
- Per week, recommended
- $0
- Travel and lodging for the final trip
- Remote or in person
- About half of externs work remotely
- ~25
- Externs supervised by Kevin and Mark
Real Projects for Real Partner Companies
Each extern completes a real project for a partner company, chosen from four focus areas.
Competitor Patent Landscape Evaluation
Research key competitors’ IP portfolios, surface filing trends and technology areas, and assess enforcement histories.
Trademark Portfolio and Usage Assessment
Inventory the partner’s trademark portfolio, analyze usage against best practices, and compile action items.
Targeted IP Research
Evaluate patent validity, analyze Office Action rejections, assess freedom to operate, and reverse engineer successful product launches.
Your Semester, Start to Finish
Week 1
Training
A crash course from Kevin and Mark in the IP concepts most pertinent to your project.
Weeks 2 to 7
Research
Research and analysis with weekly meetings and daily access to your supervising attorneys.
Weeks 8 to 10
Synthesis and rehearsal
Prioritize findings, build your presentation, and rehearse with feedback.
Weeks 11 to 12
The trip
Travel with Kevin and Mark to the partner’s headquarters and present to in-house counsel. Travel and lodging are coordinated and covered by Willard Quinn.
Beyond the Classroom
The trip is part of the experience.
Company visits, shared meals, and time to explore. Browse the trips to see the people and places behind the externship experience.
What you will take away from a semester
Gain Experience
Learn and apply IP principles and practices used in IP law practice.
Expand Your Network
Work with in-house counsel, our team, and externs from law schools nationwide.
Grow as a Professional
Research, prepare a polished presentation, deliver it to counsel, and receive live feedback.
Impact an Institution
Contribute analysis to a partner’s IP strategy.
Mentorship that continues after the semester
Every externship begins with initial training from Kevin and Mark, followed by weekly meetings, daily access to the supervising attorneys, and ongoing support after the semester ends, including interview preparation, recommendations, and career advice.
Extern Experiences
In their own words.
My externship with Mark and Kevin was an invaluable experience that gave me meaningful, hands-on exposure to patent law. I had the opportunity to analyze patent claims, develop legal insights, and present my findings directly to potential clients. The practical skills and experience I gained laid a strong foundation for my career in patent litigation, and I continue to draw on what I learned and the confidence I gained during my time with them. I highly recommend this externship program to any law student looking to gain practical experience and develop real-world legal skills!
My externship with Mark and Kevin was the highlight of my law school experience. I was able to develop practical litigation skills, learn from experienced attorneys, and travel to Los Angeles to present directly to in-house counsel. The combination of mentorship, substantive legal work, and real-world experience prepared me for my post-grad position as a big law litigation associate.
Common questions from applicants
What you need to know about time commitment, the trip, and how to apply.
Do I need to be patent-bar eligible?
Patent bar eligibility is preferred but not required. Students pursuing trademark law or other IP paths are encouraged to apply.
What is the time commitment?
15 to 25 hours per week works best. Fewer than 15 hours makes momentum difficult and may exclude you from the end-of-semester trip. We are happy to coordinate with your school on specific credit-hour requirements.
Can I extern remotely?
Yes. Roughly half of our externs work remotely. We are based in West Michigan and recommend in-person participation when feasible.
What is the end-of-semester trip?
Externs travel with Kevin and Mark to the partner’s site to present to in-house counsel. We coordinate travel and lodging, and all expenses are covered by Willard Quinn PLLC. Presentations are rehearsed with feedback beforehand.
Is the externship paid?
No. All Willard Quinn externships are unpaid.
How do I apply?
Email your résumé, law school transcript, and a short note on why you are interested to Kevin and Mark. We will follow up to schedule a conversation.
Apply to be an extern
Email your résumé, law school transcript, and a short note on why you are interested to Kevin and Mark. We will follow up to schedule a conversation.
Apply to be an externLaw school faculty and externship coordinators are welcome to reach out directly with questions about the program.