Journal

A successful first year for the Advanced Patent Paralegal Course

CIPA is pleased to announce the completion of the first year of the new Advanced Patent Paralegal Course (‘APPC’). Designed for senior-level paralegals, this high-level programme has already proven to be a valuable development opportunity for those looking to expand their expertise and progress within the profession.

The results from the first cohort have been very encouraging, with 85% of candidates successfully passing all modules. Candidates who did not pass one unit will have the chance to retake that module, ensuring they are fully supported in completing the qualification.

Initial feedback has shown that participants enjoyed the course and found it challenging yet rewarding. Some candidates also suggested adjustments to the timing of the programme, particularly to allow more time with course materials before the activity review webinar. In response, the schedule will be amended for future cohorts to better reflect these needs.

We congratulate all 2025 candidates on their hard work and achievements and thank them for the valuable feedback provided. Their input will help shape improvements to the course going forward.

We are also pleased to recognise exceptional achievement from this year’s cohort. Audrey Gannon (James Hardie Technology Limited) and Aysha Khan (HGF Ltd) have both won ‘The Advanced Patent Paralegal Course Award for Outstanding Performance’, and we offer them our congratulations on this accomplishment.

Looking ahead, registration for the 2026 course opened on Monday 9 February and closes on Friday 20 March. To support prospective candidates, CIPA will also be hosting a webinar covering tips and tricks, course updates, and the experience of someone who completed the programme this year. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Details are available here.

More information about the course can be found here.

Given the advanced level of the course, having a mentor is strongly recommended. The APPC is pitched at a senior level and is aimed at experienced paralegals seeking to deepen their knowledge and take on more strategic responsibilities. Please note that applicants must be CIPA members to be eligible to apply for the 2026 course, although the programme will be opened to non-members from 2027 onwards.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone involved in the design and delivery of the course, as well as to all the students who took part in this first year. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the APPC come to life and to support such a dedicated and enthusiastic cohort throughout their learning journey.

We look forward to welcoming the next cohort and building on the strong success of this inaugural year.

Dóra Máté, Learning and Development Manager

Testimonials

Here are some testimonials from candidates who took part in the first year of the programme:

‘The APPC course was both challenging and rewarding, helping me develop a broader understanding of patent prosecution including areas which are not always covered in the day-to-day role of a paralegal. The assessments included questions which required a high level of knowledge on patent processes in the UK, Europe and PCT. The assessments also included completion of complex forms which required thorough attention to detail. PebblePad was user friendly and the content was easy to follow and well structured. The APPC increased my overall knowledge and confidence in my workplace.’ Amy Quantick (Patent Paralegal)

‘I decided to enrol on the Advanced Patent Paralegal Course after completing the introductory course back in 2022. I was keen on continuing my professional development and building on my existing knowledge as a Patent Paralegal. For me, the APPC delivered exactly that, as it gave me a more detailed understanding of GB, EP and PCT procedures, allowing me to learn beyond what was covered in the introductory course.

One of the standout aspects of the APPC was the assessment process. The open book style encouraged lateral thinking and felt very different from any traditional exams I have previously sat. The assessments required us to look to different patent rules, consider real life scenarios, drawing on examples from experiences I have from my own work, and encouraged discussions with colleagues and attorneys to answer questions. This approach felt more representative of my work as a paralegal and how I approach tasks in my day-to-day role. I also found the assessment style to be very flexible as we had a month to review and complete the coursework. This made it easier for me to balance watching webinars and studying patent rules with working full-time. A great aspect of the course!

My main reason for taking on the APPC was to further my career and understanding of patent procedures. The course has had such a positive impact on my role as I have built on areas where I found my knowledge to be limited in the past. For example, I have a much deeper understanding of the underlying principles and filing formalities of the PCT procedure. I am confident in reviewing different sources and analysing the rules governing a PCT application. The course also highlighted the importance of staying up to date as patent laws and regulations are always changing. For example, when researching and completing an assessment question, I learned that Uruguay had only recently joined the PCT system and so entering the national phase for one of my clients was not possible and that an alternative route should be taken. This really highlighted to me there can be several ways to approach a scenario depending on various circumstances and the importance of thinking outside the box. A new way of thinking that I am looking to continue developing in my role.

Overall, the APPC has strengthened my patent knowledge, awareness of the responsibilities of a patent paralegal and the importance of applying lateral thinking when approaching cases. I would encourage anyone looking to further their understanding of patents and challenge themselves to enrol on the APPC.’ Jemma Law (Patent Paralegal)