2025 marks the close of CPATA’s 2023–2025 Strategic Framework, which focused on strengthening our regulatory foundations. We take pride in reflecting on the significant progress made in main areas (outlined below) during this period and look forward to the work ahead.
Professional Development and Competency
Competency Profiles
- Adopted the Technical Competency Profiles for Patent Agents and Trademark Agents, as well as the Professional Foundations Competency Profile, establishing clear expectations for skills and knowledge across the professions.
Qualifying Examinations
- Redeveloped the Qualifying Examinations with the support of more than 100 licensees, improving fairness, defensibility, and alignment with competencies.
- First administration of the new exams took place in 2024, marking a major step forward in competency-based assessment.
Licensing Pathways
- Consulted on the 24-month supervised training program and introduced updates to help connect agents in training with supervisors.
- Began considering alternative pathways and approaches to licensing to support future innovation and accessibility.
Continuing Professional Development
- Conducted foundational research into CPD policy approaches.
- Further development of CPD policy will continue under the next Strategic Framework.
Professional Regulation
Code of Professional Conduct
- Launched new educational videos and published practical ethics articles.
- Provided responses to ethics inquiries, supporting clarity and accountability.
Complaints and Discipline
- Addressed inquiries and complaints about licensees.
- CPATA’s Discipline Committee held its first hearings.
Unauthorized Practice
- Increased protection for the public by addressing cases of unauthorized practice.
- Disrupted phishing scams, “naming and shaming” fraudsters in public notices to prevent harm.
Agent Privilege
- Supported the evolution of patent agent and trademark agent privilege in the public interest.
Public Access
Public Register
- Migrated to an updated Public Register which enables the public and innovators to search for agents by licence, geography, language of services and industries served.
In addition to these core areas, CPATA continued strengthening relationships and collaborating with IP partners to support the implementation of our mandate. We also took strides towards financial sustainability by establishing financial reserves . Finally, as a relatively new regulator, CPATA continued building its operational infrastructure so that regulation may continue long-term on a solid foundation.
We extend sincere thanks to all licensees, partners, and contributors who helped make these achievements possible.
