Every year, dozens of licensees support the qualifying examinations by joining an Exam Advisory Group. This is an engaging and rewarding way to support the future of the professions.
For 2027, CPATA is seeking Class 1 and 2 trademark agents and patent agents for the Skills Exam Advisory Groups (Trademark and Patent).
Exam Advisory Groups support CPATA’s mandate by assisting with the preparation, administration and marking of the qualifying examinations. All members are compensated with an honorarium for their time and expertise.
Seeking
- Class 1 and Class 2 trademark agents and patent agents
Member tasks
- Develop the 2027 skills examination and marking key
- Validate translation of exam questions (*bilingual reviewers only)
- Mark the 2027 exam submissions (Fall 2027)
Time Commitment
- Hours vary throughout the year and depend on individual workload
Mandate Start Date and Duration
- One year commitment starting in January/February 2027
Compensation
- $1500 for development
- +$30/exam for marking
- +$500 for bilingual panelists to support the translation review and French pilot testing
Patent Agent Skills Examination
Knowledge:
- Patent law, practice, and procedure in Canada.
- The patent application lifecycle, including strategy, drafting, prosecution, and examination.
- Claim construction and patentability requirements (novelty, non-obviousness, utility, subject matter).
- Intellectual property legislation, regulations, and jurisprudence relevant to patent practice.
- Ethical and professional responsibilities of patent agents.
- International patent systems and treaties (e.g., PCT) and their interaction with Canadian practice.
- Current and emerging issues affecting patent agent practice.
Experience:
- Experience practising as a Canadian patent agent.
- Experience in patent drafting, prosecution, assessing validity and infringement work, and IP strategy.
- Experience across diverse practice settings and client types.
- Prior experience developing or reviewing professional examinations (asset).
Trademark Agent Skills Examination
Knowledge:
- Trademark law, practice, and procedure in Canada.
- Trademark strategy, prosecution, opposition, cancellation, enforcement, and portfolio management.
- The trademark registration process and examination requirements.
- Distinctiveness, confusion, use, and entitlement issues.
- Ethical and professional responsibilities of trademark agents.
- International trademark systems and treaties relevant to Canadian practice.
- Current and emerging issues affecting trademark agent practice.
Experience:
- Experience practising as a Canadian trademark agent.
- Experience in trademark prosecution, portfolio management, oppositions, enforcement, or advisory work.
- Experience across diverse practice settings and client types.
- Prior assessment or examination development experience (asset).
Skills (applicable to all):
- Draft, and review examination questions and scenarios.
- Exercise sound judgment regarding the appropriate level of difficulty for entry-level practitioners.
- Identify potential bias, ambiguity, or fairness concerns in examination materials.
- Collaborate effectively with individuals holding diverse perspectives and expertise.
- Provide constructive feedback and achieve consensus on recommendations.
- Apply critical thinking to complex legal and practice situations.
Attributes (applicable to all):
- Objectivity and impartiality.
- Sound judgment.
- Openness to differing viewpoints.
- Respectful communication and collaboration.
- Strategic thinking.
- Attention to detail.
- Reliability and preparedness.
- Commitment to confidentiality.
- Awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility considerations.
How to Express Interest in the Position
If interested, complete this form to submit an expression of interest or to learn more, please contact Jen Slabodkin, Director of Registration & Education, Deputy Registrar at registration-inscription@cpata-cabamc.ca.
CPATA is strongly committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion and invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
