APPLICATION FOR THE PATENT PIPELINE PROGRAM
The Patent Pipeline Program (PPP), launched by Meta in partnership with the National Council on Patent Practicum (“NCPP”) and our pioneering firms Baker Hostetler and Fisher Broyles, is a limited-term program which seeks to increase the number of women and minorities within the patent profession, while continuing to foster relationships with partner firms that have prioritized diversity efforts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PATENT PIPELINE PROGRAM (PPP)
The PPP will oversee the training, development, and career opportunities of three (3) - four (4) diverse (women and/or minority) candidates over a six-month period. Over the course of the program, candidates will have the unique opportunity of working closely with both in-house and private practice attorneys to learn the mechanics of patent drafting and prosecution, and to understand the business insights that ultimately drive a company’s patent strategy.
The selection process will consist of two phases. In the first phase, eight (8) candidates will be selected to participate in a patent training program provided by NCPP for one-month (Nov. 1 - Nov. 30). Virtual training will occur 2-3 evenings per week from 6pm-8pm EST and some Saturdays between 10am-12pm EST. Our participating law firms (Baker Hostetler & Fisher Broyles) will then select three (3) – four (4)* candidates to proceed through remainder of the program. The three (3) – four (4) candidates that are selected will continue training with NCPP through Feb. 25, 2022.
Concurrently with training, the three (3) – four (4) selected candidates will begin work with Baker Hostetler or Fisher Broyles as Technical Specialists from Jan. 3, 2022 - May 27, 2022. From January 31st - Feb. 25, the three (3) – four (4) selected candidates will be seconded with (transfer to) Meta where they will learn and participate in the day-to-day inhouse patent practices and procedures (e.g., patent strategy, client development, invention analysis, etc.). Thereafter, the three (3) – four (4) selected candidates will transition back to Baker Hostetler or Fisher Broyles for the remainder of the program from Feb. 28, 2022 - May 27, 2022. From January – May, selected applicants will receive the equivalent annual salary of $80K for five (5) months.
Upon successful completion of the program, the three (3) – four (4) candidates will be offered a full-time position with Baker Hostetler or Fisher Broyles as a Technical Specialist or Patent Agent pending acceptable performance reviews by Baker Hostetler or Fisher Broyles. The annual starting salary will be a SIX (6) figure salary for this position.
* An additional 1-2 candidates may still be selected to complete the NCPP training even if they are not selected to matriculate through the Facebook Pipeline. These additional candidates may have other employment opportunities with other firms or other corporate patent departments.
ELIGIBILITY
The PPP is open to U.S. Citizens who:
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Are a minority and/or a woman candidate;
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Possess an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution in at least one of the following technical fields (Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Materials Science/Engineering), with a minimum GPA of at least 2.7 by December 31st 2021; and
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Are located in or are willing to relocate to Atlanta, New Jersey, DC, or Seattle (or other satellite office locations as approved by the Firm) upon receiving a full-time offer after completion of program.
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Is NOT an attorney, enrolled in law school, or will be enrolled in law school for at least 2 years.
2021 COHORT: APPLICATION TIMELINE
September 23 - (Applications Open)
October 8 - (Applications Closed) This application form and all other required documentation must be received by October 8, 2021 (5:00 p.m. EST).
October 11 - October 15 (Selection Process)
October 15 - (Selection Letters Sent to 8 Applicants)
November 1 - November 30 (Training duration)
December 2 - (Selection Letters Sent to 3-4 Applicants)
December 7 - February 25 (Training of 3-4 Selected Applicants Continues)
January 3 - January 28 (Begins as Full-time Technical Specialist with Firm)
January 31 - February 25 (Seconded as Full-time Technical Specialist with Facebook)
February 28 - May 27 (Returns to Firm as Full-time Technical Specialist for duration of program)
May 27 - Full-time employment offers extended