CPATA has retained an independent, third-party consultant to conduct a survey of licensed patent agents and trademark agents this summer. The purpose of this regulatory research is to gather information about IP agents and their practices which will inform policy and program development as well as risk analysis. With this data, CPATA’s oversight of the profession can be evidence-based and truly aligned with Canada’s IP environment. A report from Abacus Data will be public on CPATA’s website later this fall.
The 15-minute questionnaire will cover several topics including licensee demographics, education and training experience, employment setting, interjurisdictional practice and more. In many other regulated professions, this type of information would be gathered from licensees as a mandatory part of the annual licence renewal process, however the CPATA Act does not currently grant this authority to the College.
This survey is an essential first step towards developing a robust portrait of IP professionals and their activities, with the ultimate goal of utilizing this data to achieve best-in-class, risk-based professional regulation. Exceptional right-touch regulation will in turn play a pivotal role in increasing public confidence in IP services and, ultimately, will elevate Canada’s innovation sector on the world stage.
“As a trademark agent elected to the CPATA Board, I understand just how important it is for the College to make decisions that are rooted in concrete data. This survey is an important start towards building mutual understanding between licensees and the College.” -Brigitte Chan, Trademark Agent, Elected member of CPATA’s Board of Directors.
If you have any questions or comments about the survey please e-mail info@cpata-cabamc.ca.
