Intern – Legal / U.S. Intellectual Property, Summer 2026

Continental: A Global Leader in Tire Manufacturing

Continental, founded in 1871, is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. With sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and approximately 78,000 employees across 54 countries, Continental is at the forefront of safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility. The Tires group sector, which generated €13.8 billion in sales in fiscal 2025, offers a premium portfolio including car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires, alongside smart solutions and services. With over 150 years of performance, Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people globally, supported by 19 production and 16 development sites.

U.S. Intellectual Property Legal Internship – Summer 2026

The U.S. IP Group is seeking a motivated law student for a 10-12 week summer internship in the Cleveland-Akron, Ohio region. This hybrid role offers significant remote flexibility and is ideal for a student who has completed their first year of law school (1L) and holds an undergraduate degree in engineering or a scientific discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research on U.S. and international IP matters.
• Summarize case law, statutes, regulations, and administrative decisions.
• Analyze engineering and scientific materials.
• Perform prior-art searches for patentability, validity, and infringement evaluations.
• Assist attorneys with the preparation and review of patent-related filings.
• Draft claim charts, invention summaries, and evaluate invention disclosures.
• Support attorneys in preparing Office Action responses under supervision.
• Prepare written memoranda, reports, and research summaries.
• Assist with patent portfolio management, including file reviews and documentation organization.
• Collaborate with engineers, R&D teams, and business personnel to gather technical information.

What You Can Expect:

• Direct exposure to in-house patent practice.
• Mentorship from experienced Continental patent attorneys.
• Engagement with inventors and technical teams on real-world technologies.
• Meaningful project work contributing to Continental's global IP strategy.

What You Bring to the Role:

• Completion of first-year law school (1L) at an accredited institution by the internship start date.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or sciences from an accredited college or university.
• Strong research, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex technical concepts.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Availability for 40 hours per week during standard business hours (Mon-Fri).
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Comfort with a hybrid work model (remote and on-site in the Cleveland-Akron area).

Additional Ways to Stand Out:

• Demonstrated interest in patent or intellectual property law.
• Previous technical, engineering, R&D, or software experience.
• Familiarity with patent research tools (e.g., USPTO, EP Register, WIPO Patentscope).

The Perks:

• Competitive intern pay.
• Hands-on experience with the team.
• Project experience.
• Intern social events and mixers.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Networking opportunities.
• Benefits associated with working for a global industry leader.

Continental is an EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process. For accessibility assistance, please contact [email protected] or call 800-821-2727.

Ready to drive with Continental? Apply online.