European intellectual property (IP) firm Withers & Rogers is to encourage more science, technology, engineering and maths students to embark on a career in IP by extending its support for an international internship scheme.
The firm is to offer the 10-week, immersive work experience opportunities in its Bristol office this summer. 
Established by the National Council of Patent Practicum in partnership with Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp group Meta, the scheme has been running successfully in the US for the past three years.
Now it is to be launched in Europe for the first time, with the aim of broadening access to careers in IP for more science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) students.
Withers & Rogers will take on the students this summer as part of the European Patent Pipeline Program (EPPP).
The firm has more than 200 partners and staff across its UK offices in Bristol, London, Warwick and Sheffield, and its European bases in Paris and Munich.
The firm’s client portfolio stretches across the Americas, the Far East and Australia as well as mainland Europe. 
Each intern on the scheme, which will also be hosted in Withers & Rogers’ London office, will have the opportunity to shadow experienced patent attorneys specialising in complex technologies in fields such as MedTech, engineering materials, pharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy, robotics and more.
Withers & Rogers chair Fiona McBride, pictured, who is based in its Bristol office, said the initiative was a fantastic way to engage more young people with the profession and the diverse career opportunities on offer.
“STEM subjects are increasingly popular with students, but IP is not always the first or most obvious career pathway,” she added.
“We want to give more young people an opportunity to learn about the alternative routes they can take beyond their education and the long-term rewards that a career in IP can bring.
“Our partners are looking forward to welcoming the STEM students and as well as having an opportunity to try their hand at client work, they will get first-hand experience of what it’s like to prepare IP strategies for innovation-led businesses.”
