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.
How the Feature Works
Prospective Trainees Seeking a Supervisor
Before applying to become an agent in training, individuals must first secure a training supervisor.
To find one, prospective trainees can use the Public Register to search for Class 1 and Class 2 licensees who have indicated that they are open to supervising trainees.
To do so, they should:
- Visit the Public Register.
- Select “Yes” to “Open to supervising an agent in training” and click on “Search” to generate a list of licensees open to acting as a supervisor. As a reminder, only Class 1 or Class 2 licensees in good standing are eligible to supervise trainees. Additional filter criteria such as “city” or “province” can be added to narrow down the search, but may limit available results.
- Contact the potential supervisor using their public contact information to discuss the opportunity.
Current Class 3 Trainees Looking for a New Supervisor
Current class 3 trainees who need a new supervisor can:
- indicate that they’re seeking supervision on the Public Register;
- search for licensees who are available to act as supervisors.
To indicate that they’re seeking supervision on the Public Register, trainees should:
- Log in to their Licensee Portal account.
- Click on “Edit Profile/Login Information” on the Dashboard.
- Select “Yes” to the question “Are you currently looking for a training supervisor?”
- Select “Yes” to question “Do you consent to displaying your answer to the above question on the public register for prospective training supervisors to contact you for more information?”. Click the “Save” button.
- Visit the Public Register.
- Select “Yes” to “Open to supervising an agent in training trainee” and click on “Search” to generate a list of licensees open to acting as a supervisor. As a reminder, only Class 1 or Class 2 licensees in good standing are eligible to supervise trainees. Additional filter criteria such as “city” or “province” can be added to narrow down the search, but may limit available results.
- Contact the potential supervisor using their public contact information to discuss the opportunity.
Class 1 and 2 Licensees Interested in Supervising a Trainee
Class 1 and 2 licensees interested in supervising a trainee can:
- indicate on the Public Register that they are open to supervising trainees;
- search for current trainees who are looking for a new supervisor.
To indicate on the Public Register that they are open to supervising trainees, licensees should:
- Log in to their Licensee Portal account.
- Click on “Edit Profile/Login Information” on the Dashboard.
- Select “Yes” to the question “Are you currently open to supervising an agent in training?”
- Select “Yes” to question “Do you consent to displaying your answer to the above question on the public register for prospective and/or current agents in training to contact you for more information?” . Click the “Save” button.
- Visit the Public Register.
- Select “Yes” to “Trainee looking for a training supervisor” and click on “Search” to generate a list of current trainees seeking a supervisor. Additional filter criteria such as “city” or “province” can be added to narrow down the search, but may limit available results. As a reminder, only current (and not prospective) class 3 agents in training will be listed in the Public Register. 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.
- Contact the trainee using their public contact information to discuss the opportunity.
Keeping the Information Current
Licensees and trainees are reminded to update this information in their Licensee Portal account whenever their situation changes, to optimize the functioning of this process.