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

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of 19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 78,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world's largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental's tire division employs more than 56,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

Are you ready to shape the future with us?

*HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT *

The U.S. IP Group is seeking a Summer Legal Intern for a 10-12-week internship located in the Cleveland-Akron, Ohio region. This opportunity is ideal for a law student who has completed their first year (1L) and possesses an undergraduate degree in engineering or a scientific discipline. The position offers a hybrid work model with strong remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research on U.S. and international IP issues.

• Summarize case law, statutes, regulations, and administrative decisions.

• Analyze engineering and scientific materials.

• Conduct prior-art searches for patentability, validity, and infringement evaluations.

• Assist attorneys with preparation and review of patent-related filings.

• Draft claim charts, invention summaries, and evaluations of invention disclosures.

• Support attorneys with Office Action response preparation under supervision.

• Prepare written memoranda, reports, and research summaries.

• Support patent portfolio management, including file reviews and organization of documentation.

• 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 working on real-world technologies.

• Meaningful project work that supports Continental's global IP strategy.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Completion of first year of law school (1L) at an accredited institution by the start of the internship.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or the 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, and able to work independently and collaboratively.

• Must be available to work 40 hours per week during normal business hours (Mon-Fri)

• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Comfortable with hybrid work, including remote and on-site components 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 such as USPTO, EP Register, or WIPO Patentscope.

THE PERKS

• Competitive Intern Pay

• Hands on experience with the team

• Project Experience

• Intern Socials/Mixers

• Mentorship Opportunities

• Networking

• And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.