Background
CPATA’s vision is to provide the public with access to a globally-respected body of patent agents and trademark agents who are highly skilled, ethical, and current in their knowledge. For many years, there was no clear standard setting out the knowledge requirements of licensees. In March 2023, CPATA’s Board of Directors approved the technical competency profiles for patent agents and trademark agents, which set clear standards for the competencies and skills that patent agents and trademark agents must acquire to serve their clients. The profiles were developed through a rigorous process that allowed for input from agents and other IP stakeholders, including through working groups of licensees and a survey of the entire profession.
Professional Foundations Competency Profile
In spring 2024, CPATA will begin to develop a Professional Foundations Competency Profile to define the professional skills (such as communication, file management, etc.) that complement an agents’ technical knowledge to practise competently and ethically. This Professional Foundations Profile will apply to both patent agents and trademark agents will be a companion document to the Technical Competency Profiles.
Next Steps
- Working groups of 6 patent agents and 6 trademark agents will create a draft profile between May – June.
- The draft profile will be translated into French, then reviewed by 4 bilingual agents (2 patent and 2 trademark agents) for accuracy and equivalent meaning.
- A first round of consultation will be conducted with internal stakeholder groups.
- A survey will be circulated to the professions in the fall to validate the profiles before they are finalized.
Participate
CPATA is currently seeking 6 patent agents and 6 trademark agents for working groups to develop the Professional Foundations Competency Profile.
Participants will attend 4 meetings between May and June 2024, contributing a total of approximately 12 hours of work to the project. They will be provided an honorarium for their time and expertise.
