CPATA’s Annual Report for 2023 was tabled in Parliament in May. Building on the strong foundations established by a Board and staff with an ambitious future vision of intellectual property public interest regulation, 2023 included many key steps, including:
- Professional Competency and Entry to Practice: Our newly established competency frameworks, approved by the Board in 2023, are instrumental in defining the professions and facilitating access to them. With clear standards, CPATA will be able to align entry to practice requirements with these necessary proficiencies, starting with the new qualifying examinations which will be administered in 2024 for the first time.
- Complaints, Discipline and Unauthorized Practice: 2023 was an inaugural year for CPATA as we held our first discipline hearing and handled our first allegations of unauthorized practice. Our principled, proactive and proportionate approach to professional regulation reduces the risk of harm to the public.
- Sustainable Regulation: Taking forward-thinking steps towards financial sustainability, CPATA introduced new categories of licences and fee structures that balance building frameworks to enhance access to competent patent and trademark agent professionals with the costs of regulation.
CPATA thanks all those who contributed to these accomplishments, especially the licensees who served on working groups, provided feedback by survey or e-mail or otherwise dedicated their time and expertise to bettering their professions. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in 2024 to further advance in the objectives outlined in CPATA’s Strategic Framework.
