Agents: All our professional staff are qualified to act as agent before the United Kingdom Patent Office for the purposes of applying for or obtaining patents in the UK or elsewhere or conducting proceedings before the UK Patent Office relating to patents and patent applications under section 274 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) 1988.
Certificate in intellectual property: The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA) recognises courses for the Certificate in Intellectual Property Law run by Queen Mary College, University of London, and the University of Manchester, Brunel University and Bournemouth University. These are generally full time courses of approximately 3 months teaching, followed by an examination.
CIPA intermediate examinations: The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents set examination papers in subjects such as Design and Copyright Law, English Law, Patent Practise, and Trade Mark Law. There is no experience requirement needed to sit these examinations, although in practise many candidates have at least some experience in the profession, before sitting such examinations.
Member of CIPA: The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents has various classes of membership including students, associates and Fellows. In order to become a Fellow and use the title Chartered Patent Agent (Chartered Patent Attorney), a person must be on the UK register of patent agents held by the UK Patent Office.
Patent Agent/ Patent Attorney: The UK Patent Office holds a register of Patent Agents (also called Patent Attorneys). Historically, the experience and examination requirements for entry onto the UK register of Patent Agents has varied. At the moment there are four finals examination papers set by the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA) which test drafting, amendment of patents, patent practise and infringement & validity opinions. There is no experience requirement necessary to be entered onto the UK register of Patent Agents, although typically, most Patent Agents qualified for entry onto the register having completed at least 2 years experience in the profession, and sometimes more.
Chartered Patent Agent/Attorney (CPA): Persons who are UK Registered Patent Attorneys, and who also subscribe to membership of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA) can use the title Chartered Patent Agent or Chartered Patent Attorney. Chartered Patent Attorney's are bound by the code of practise of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, in their dealings with the public. There are other classes of membership of CIPA, for persons who are not registered Patent Agents.
Patent Litigators: Patent Litigators are persons who hold a UK Patent Litigators certificate. These certificates are awarded by the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents to persons who are Registered Patent Attorneys, who have passed a Certificate in Intellectual Property Litigation examination at Nottingham Trent University who have acquired an LLM in intellectual property litigation from Nottingham Trent University, and who have at least 6 months recent experience in patent litigation. Patent Litigator certificates are a recent innovation, and a small number of patent litigators initially acquired their rights by demonstrating sufficient litigation experience. Patent Litigators have rights of audience for patent and related matters before the UK High Court.
European Patent Attorney (EPA): European Patent Attorneys, or more properly, Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office, are persons who are entered on a list of professional representatives held by the European Patent Office. Since before 1980, entry onto the European register has been through a combination of experience and examination. The finals examination consists of four papers, testing drafting skills, amendment skills, opposition skills, and knowledge of the European Patent Convention. To sit the European qualifying examination, candidates should complete a minimum of three years experience under a European Patent Attorney. Persons qualifying via the EQE, must also have a recognised degree or equivalent qualification.