Connection to People
The 2025 ADAPT Mentorship application is open! ​Thank you for your interest.​
Application Opens
Open!
Application Closes
December 31, 2024
Mentorship Concludes
December 31, 2025
70+
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We invite talented students from a wide range of backgrounds and an interest in intellectual property law to apply for our ADAPT (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams) Mentorship Program. This program seeks to identify and mentor undergraduate, graduate and law students with an interest in intellectual property law (primarily patents) who will make our profession more diverse. The purpose of the program is to cultivate the next generation of legal talent and provide exposure to a range of occupations in intellectual property law, including litigation, prosecution, transactions, technology specialists, and legal operations.
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What is the program?
The yearlong program will provide mentees the opportunity to meet with mentors (networking!) from member companies and law firms to learn about different aspects of IP careers, how to navigate one's way to an IP career, and how to succeed in the field.
Who’s involved?
ADAPT is a joint effort between the following founding members: Amazon, Cruise, Disney, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. We have also happily been joined by a number of companies and law firms over the past year. Our members have businesses with robust intellectual property portfolios, which require specialist legal teams to maintain, protect, enforce and defend their rights. Through ADAPT, they seek to work together to address the shortage of legal talent in intellectual property law and to provide opportunities to exceptional candidates.
Are you the right fit?
Do you value diversity, have a thirst for knowledge, and have a passion for problem solving? We’re looking for candidates with a creative mindset, a collaborative mentality, and who are interested in exploring a potential career in intellectual property law. Currently, the ADAPT Mentorship Program is targeting science and engineering majors who are eligible to become patent attorneys.
Why is Diversity in the Field of Intellectual Property Important?
Nearly all businesses have some intellectual property, whether registered or unregistered, and it is often the most valuable asset they own. In today’s global economy, companies are operated by and serve many different types of people. As IP professionals, it’s important that we represent the diversity of our communities and the clients we serve. Through this Program, we hope to inspire, mentor and nurture the next generation of intellectual property leaders to help bring diverse perspectives to companies that are innovating the way we live.
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