Michael Heap, chairman of IP Regulation Board, welcomes newly qualified patent attorneys

Published: 13 May 2010
By: Peter Prowse

Michael Heap, chairman of the IP Regulation Board (IPReg), awarded certificates at the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) in London on 12th May to some of the 71 newly qualified patent attorneys who are now authorised to practise. These latest entrants to the profession are the first patent attorneys to qualify since IPReg took over responsibility in January for the Official Register and for overseeing standards in CIPA’s professional examinations.

Awarding the certificates, Michael Heap paid tribute to the new entrants’ hard work and perseverance. “You will all have relied on a great deal of encouragement and support from your colleagues and families,” he told the group. “The world of IP law is changing and as you gain more experience you will find that you will face new challenges and difficulties. The profession now has a higher public profile than ever and IPReg’s role in regulating your qualifications and the way you practise will expose you to rigorous scrutiny. Your period of training and your new qualifications will equip you well to face these new challenges with confidence.”

With some 1,850 patent attorneys now on the Official Register, the profession continues to grow steadily and to attract graduates. Almost all new entrants to the profession have a good first degree in a science, engineering or a related technical subject and about half of newly-qualified patent attorneys have a higher degree (MSc or PhD). In addition to passing examinations, would-be patent attorneys undergo a minimum of two years’ on-the-job training.