The Pan-European Seal (PES) Programme is a prestigious joint initiative by Europe’s two largest intellectual property organizations: the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Designed for high-achieving graduates from partner universities, the programme provides an entry point into the international labour market, offering a professional job right after graduating.

While both offices operate under the Pan-European Seal, they offer distinct pathways. Candidates are encouraged to review the specific benefits and application procedures for each office listed below, as applicants may apply to only one of the two institutions.

The EPO Young Professionals Programme

The European Patent Office (EPO) offers the Young Professionals Programme (YPP), a high-level first employment initiative for those looking to work at the forefront of innovation and technology, seeking talents in:

  • Science and Engineering
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Law
  • Business Administration & HR
  • International Relations and Communication
  • Economics & Finance

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive a comprehensive benefits package and a flexible working environment:

  • Competitive Salary: Approximately 2 300 EUR net per month in the first year, rising to 3 300 EUR in subsequent years.
  • Contract Duration: A 12-month contract with potential extensions for up to 3 years.
  • Hybrid Working: Work from home, abroad, or from the offices (in Munich, The Hague, Berlin, Vienna, or Brussels).

To qualify for the programme, applicants:

  • Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or graduate by September 2026)
  • Possess an excellent level of at least one of the EPO official languages (English, German, or French).
  • No prior professional experience is required.

Applications are open from 16 February until 9 March 2026. Interested students must apply via the official EPO website: https://jobs.epo.org/lp/YoungProfessionals/6ae54d8120979c26/. The programme officially begins on 15 September 2026.

For more information, visit https://jobs.epo.org/. Join the EPO team online on 18 February at 11:30 to ask any questions. Registration for this and other available meetings is available at https://jobs.epo.org/lp/Young.Professionals.

For any additional questions, please get in touch with paneuropeanseal@epo.org.

 

The EUIPO Traineeship Programme

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) provides a year-long paid traineeship focusing on trademarks, designs, and geographical indications. The programme operates in areas of:

  • Intellectual Property (IP)
  • General Law
  • Finance
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Programme Benefits

Selected participants receive:

  • Compensation: A grant of 1,300 EUR net per month. This amount increases if the participant is selected for a second-year extension.
  • Work Environment: Primarily based at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, Spain, with limited opportunities in Brussels and Luxembourg.
  • Professional Development: Includes on-the-job coaching, specialized IP courses, and access to a multicultural network of experts.

To apply for the EUIPO PES traineeship, a candidate must follow the criteria:

  • Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (obtained between January 2024 and September 2026)
  • Minimum B2 level of English.
  • Proficiency in another EUIPO language may also be required.
  • Be shortlisted by their home university

Applications are open from 1 March till 31 March via the website: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ZQy6MLsE6USL0MzapbGtyyFomCQb1TVMjiCRLoJ-dylUQ0c0Nk9VUVhTT1oyR0ZDSjlYRkI5WlJQUC4u&route=shorturl

only after the candidate has been shortlisted by the university.

For more details, please visit https://euipo.europa.eu/knowledge/mod/page/view.php?id=73916&forceview=1.

In case of any questions, please contact Pan_European_Seal@euipo.europa.eu or traineeships@euipo.europa.eu