For decades, the patent agent and trademark agent professions have trained the next generation of practitioners in workplace settings. In our 2024 consultation on supervised practice, licensees confirmed that hands–on, experiential learning helps agents in training become ready for the qualifying exams, full licensure and everyday practice. Supervisors play a vital role in the individual career experiences of trainees, and act as IP champions securing the future of patent agent and trademark agent practice in Canada.
The Role of a Training Supervisor
Training supervisors create workplace experiences which help trainees develop the knowledge and skills required for patent agent and trademark agent practice. Typically, supervisors and trainees work together in the same work environment but alternative arrangements can be considered, and trainees receive a salary. More specifically, training supervisors commit to:
- providing a training program for agents in training that focuses on learning ethical and competent practices;
- providing agents in training with meaningful training and exposure to, and involvement in, work that focuses on knowledge and experience of the practical aspects of the work of a patent agent or a trademark agent as outlined in the Technical Competency Profiles for Patent Agents and Trademark Agents and the Professional Foundations Competency Profile, together with an appreciation of the traditions and ethics of the profession;
- providing effective supervision and feedback to agents in training;
- submitting letters of attestation to support reporting training to CPATA; and
- maintaining professional responsibility over any tasks or functions delegated to the agent in training.
Eligibility
Training supervisors must be either:
- a licensed Class 1 or Class 2 patent agent or trademark agent in good standing with CPATA; or
- a representative of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
A training supervisor must be a role model of the profession, having regard to all circumstances, including their experience, competence, ethical standards and professional conduct record.
Training Supervisors must not:
- be the subject of a matter before the Investigations Committee or Discipline Committee;
- have not been prohibited from acting as a supervisor.
Applying to Become a Supervisor
Eligible licensees who are interested in supervising trainees are not required to pre-emptively register as a supervisor with CPATA. It is only when they find a specific trainee to supervise that they must submit an application. However, to increase the chances of finding a trainee, eligible licensees can indicate in their Public Register profile that they are open to supervising trainees by following these steps.
The Training Supervisor Application Form must be completed and returned when:
- a prospective class 3 agent in training is applying for registration with CPATA;
- a current class 3 agent in training is changing supervisors.
Connecting with a Trainee
Typically patent agents and trademark agents hire trainees through their firm/agency recruitment processes. However, in our 2024 consultation we heard that at times it can be difficult for those seeking to hire trainees and prospective trainees to match. To facilitate the process, the College launched a new Public Register feature designed to make it easier for training supervisors and agents in training to connect.
Class 1 and 2 licensees interested in supervising a trainee can:
- indicate on the Public Register that they are open to supervising trainees;
- search the Public Register for current trainees who are looking for a new supervisor. Note that it is not possible for prospective trainees to list themselves as seeking supervision in the Public Register as they are not yet licensed with CPATA.
For more information and instructions, read the Connecting Trainees and Supervisors page.
Providing Training
There are many ways for training supervisors to provide experiential training opportunities for trainees which provide practice, oversight, evaluation and mentorship to acquire the necessary competencies. CPATA recognizes that training experiences may vary by practice environment. Supervisors and trainees establish tailored training programs that make sense for their specific workplace environment.
CPATA is in the process of developing additional resources to support supervisors and trainees:
- 2025: a questionnaire to help supervisors and trainees plan training more intentionally
- 2026: a training plan, interim assessment and final evaluation resource
When a workplace environment is unable to provide training in a specific area, the supervisor should reach out to CPATA and submit a training plan that sets out how the trainee will otherwise acquire those competencies. CPATA has worked proactively with trainees and supervisors to help determine alternative means of acquiring competencies where appropriate. CPATA has taken a flexible approach to enable supervision in different ways, for example by allowing a trainee to work part-time in-house and part-time for an IP client, in order to gain the full breadth of necessary IP skills.
More Information
Any licensee who is interested in acting as a training supervisor can reach out to registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca for more information.