Journal

Mastering the IPPC: Insights and tips from Caoimhe Murphy’s perfect score

In the latest examinations for Introductory Patent Paralegal Course (‘IPPC’), Caoimhe Murphy (EIP) and Louise West (JA Kemp) achieved an impressive 100%. Here Caoimhe shares her invaluable experience of the course and offers some practical tips to help others make the most of it. Questions by Lucie Jones.

Congratulations on your incredible result! Can you tell us a little about your current role and how long you’ve been working in IP?

Thank you very much! I’ve been working in intellectual property for almost three years, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. I initially joined as a paralegal assistant and in October 2024, I was promoted to the role of paralegal, which has allowed me to take on more responsibility and deepen my expertise.

What first inspired you to take the IPPC?

I knew early on that taking the IPPC was the natural next step in developing my skills and deepening my knowledge of the intricacies of patent law. What really inspired me, though, was seeing other paralegals in my firm take the course and thrive. Watching how their confidence grew and how they were able to take on more responsibility made it clear just how valuable the course could be.

How did you feel when you found out you’d achieved 100%?

I was so shocked, I honestly couldn’t believe it at first. I had to double check my results just to make sure I wasn’t seeing things! Even then, I still wasn’t convinced, so I called a friend to double check I hadn’t read it incorrectly. It was such a surreal and proud moment, and one I’ll never forget.

How did you find the structure and content of the course?

I really enjoyed the structure of the course. The handouts were concise and easy to understand, and the activities were a great way to test my knowledge and think more deeply about how to apply what I’d learned.

I appreciated that the content was delivered through pre-recorded webinars. This allowed me to pause the recording and take notes, which made a big difference in how well I could absorb the information. There was also ample time between the release of webinars and the live revision sessions to give me the opportunity to study the materials at my own pace.

Were there particular areas that you found especially useful or challenging?

The course gave me a much better understanding of the procedural differences, particularly the differences between European direct and national phase entry applications. This was something I had struggled with previously.

Having never sat patent exams before, I found the formatting of answers very different to anything I had come across previously. My mentor was a great help, and I made sure to practise with past papers to get comfortable with the format, which made a big difference in building my confidence.

Did you feel the course reflected the real-life responsibilities of a paralegal in IP?

Absolutely! The course certainly reflected the complexities of the work we encounter as IP paralegals. What stood out to me was how clearly it connected the content back to our day-to-day responsibilities. It felt very relevant and grounded in the patent paralegal experience, which made the learning experience all the more valuable.

How has completing the course changed the way you approach your day-to-day work?

Completing the course has made a noticeable difference in how I approach my work. I feel that I can take the initiative and anticipate the needs of my clients and attorneys with a higher level of confidence. It has also improved both the accuracy and efficiency of my work. I can better support my fellow paralegals if any questions arise. It’s been a real step forward in my professional development.

Have you noticed a difference in how others perceive your role since completing the course?

Definitely. My attorneys’ trust in me has grown, and I’m now much more involved in discussions around case strategy and next steps. It is incredibly rewarding to be asked for my advice on the best course of action and to feel like a valued contributor to the team. The course has helped me step into a more proactive and respected position within my firm.

Did the course give you more confidence in any particular areas of your job?

Absolutely. One of the biggest improvements has been in how I manage my workload. I now have a much clearer understanding of communications as they come in, which makes it far easier to prioritise tasks and chase for instructions, both internally and externally, with confidence. Another area where I have gained a lot of capability is in calculating renewal dates. The course really helped demystify the process. It is now something I can handle with ease, which has been a huge boost to both my confidence and efficiency.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking the course?

Definitely go for it! Taking the course was one of the best decisions I made to improve both my technical and legal knowledge, and it has had a huge impact on my development as a paralegal. It really helps you understand the ‘why’ behind the work we do and gives you the tools to approach tasks with greater independence.

One tip I would give is to watch the seminars as they’re released, rather than saving them all for later. It helps to stay on top of the material and gives you time to absorb it properly. I would also recommend scheduling regular meetings with your mentor to go over the activities before each live session. This was incredibly helpful for me when it came to revision and preparing for the exam.

How did you balance study with work commitments – any tips for managing both successfully?

Balancing study with work commitments is never easy. This is especially true for paralegals, as we are often pulled in several directions at once. It required some planning and discipline, but it’s achievable with the right approach.

I strongly recommend setting aside dedicated time each week just for the course. Block it out in your calendar, put yourself on ‘do not disturb’, and treat it as non-negotiable study time. That uninterrupted focus really makes a difference.

When it comes to the seminars, take detailed notes as you go. I found it really helpful to print the slides and annotate each page with any extra information from the recordings. Having everything in one place saved me a lot of time when it came to revisiting the material later.

If someone is nervous about whether they’re ready, what would you say to them?

It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive, but don’t let that hold you back. It was one of the best things I did to grow my technical and legal knowledge and become a more confident and capable paralegal. With the right approach and support, you’ll surprise yourself with how much you can achieve.

What would you say to firms considering whether to support their paralegals through this course?

A paralegal who has completed it becomes a real asset to the team. The course gives paralegals a deeper understanding of IP processes, enabling them to take greater initiative and contribute more meaningfully.

The knowledge imparted is invaluable. It is practical, up-to-date, and directly relevant to the evolving IP landscape, including areas like UPC filings and jurisdiction-specific procedures. Supporting your paralegals through this course is an investment that will pay dividends in the long run, both in terms of efficiency and the overall strength of your IP support team.

Is there anything else you’d like to add – about the course, your experience, or what this recognition means to you?

This course has been such a valuable part of my professional journey, and receiving this recognition means a great deal to me. It is a reflection not just of the hard work I put in, but also of how much I have grown in confidence and capability as a paralegal. The knowledge I’ve gained has made a real difference in my day-to-day work. I truly believe that a paralegal who completes this course becomes a stronger asset to their firm: more self-sufficient and better trained to handle the evolving demands of the role. It has transformed the way I work, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to take their career to the next level.