The WIPO Japan Office, with support from the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT Japan IP Global), is pleased to announce the launch of the Short-Term Fellowship Programme, an internship opportunity for international students currently enrolled in universities or graduate schools in Japan.
This five-day program offers participants hands-on experience in the field of intellectual property (IP) at leading Japanese patent law firms.
It's an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in IP or with international organizations such as WIPO.
Program Overview
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A 5-day internship at a Japanese patent law firm
- Group training (up to 4 participants), with the possibility of customized programmes based on each participant’s area of study or interest
- Program activities may include:
- Lectures on IP and IP strategy
- Practical training and office work
- Visits to relevant institutions (e.g., the Japan Patent Office, IP courts)
- Presentations on your home country’s IP system or successful IP case studies
- Participation is free of charge.
Eligibility
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Required:
- Must hold a foreign nationality and be enrolled at a Japanese university or graduate school (any major)
- Must be from a developing country (see details below)
- Ability to communicate in English and Japanese
- Interest in intellectual property law and IP-related fields
- Desirable:
- Some background knowledge in IP
- Interest in working with international organizations such as the United Nations
Note: Eligible applicants must be from a country classified as either:
- “Lower-middle income” or “Low income” by the World Bank, or
- “Medium” or “Low” in the Human Development Index (HDI) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Training Period (choose one)
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November 10 (Mon) – November 14 (Fri), 2025
- November 17 (Mon) – November 21 (Fri), 2025
Host Institutions (tentative)
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SOEI Patent & Law Firm
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SHIGA International Patent Office
Assignments will be made based on the participant’s area of expertise.
Financial Support
Depending on the candidate’s residential area, costs incurred for travelling to the venue city and accommodation may be remunerated.
How to Apply
Deadline: August 18 (Mon), 2025
Please complete the form [DOC] and send it, along with your CV (in Japanese or English), to WIPO Japan Office by the deadline indicated above.
Selected applicants will be invited to further assessment and/or interview.
Contact
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to: WIPO Japan Office
We look forward to your application.