International Guest Program

We regularly enter into arrangements with attorneys and intellectual property professionals from client companies located outside the United States, inviting them to spend time at our Washington, D.C. office as part of our Trainee Program. In place for over 30 years, this longstanding program provides international professionals with comprehensive, practical experience in U.S. intellectual property law. While here, each trainee engages in the full patent process from start to finish, gaining exposure to the breadth of our practice through a combination of hands-on training and classroom-style learning. Under the supervision of Sughrue Partners and experienced mentors with similar technical backgrounds, trainees develop skills in patent drafting, prosecution strategy, opinion work, and responding to office actions. They also attend firm-wide lectures on current IP issues, participate in external seminars, and visit key institutions such as the USPTO, CAFC, and ITC. Additional opportunities include Patent Bar preparation, English language courses, and cultural experiences in Washington, D.C.

This immersive experience equips trainees with the practical insight and skills needed to effectively advise their companies on matters involving U.S. intellectual property law and international IP strategy. The program is a two-way learning experience for us. By working closely with professionals from around the world, we gain a deeper understanding of how business is conducted abroad and develop greater cultural awareness, enhancing our ability to serve all of our clients with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.