Who are the CIPA Informals?

The Informals is the association of student members of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). All trainees entering the profession are automatically student members of CIPA, and therefore the Informals, and continue to be until they are qualified (at which point they become fellows of CIPA). However, opportunities provided by the Informals Committee also extend to those who are recently qualified.

What is your role as the Honorary Secretary?

The Informals Committee aims to act as the collective voice of trainees within the profession. As Informals Honorary Secretary, my duty is to oversee the committee and attend CIPA council meetings to present the views and concerns of the student members of the profession to CIPA.

Though a lot of student feedback relates to the route to qualification, particularly exams, it also extends to student wellbeing, DEI and developments in case law, to name a few.

To this end, additional responsibilities include:

• Management of the Informals Committee, including organising monthly meetings, relaying comments from CIPA council and facilitating discussion of topics of interest
• Promoting a diverse range of training topics for the advanced lecture series, including business development, managing relations, and networking
• Reporting on the activities the Informals Committee undertakes and on financial matters to CIPA Council and/or the Internal Governance Committee of CIPA
• Aiding Committee members in fulfilling their roles and providing a sounding board for new ideas
• Facilitating handover between old and new Informals’ Committees

What type of activities do the Informals run?

The Informals Committee provides support by: organising lectures and tutorials to supplement training provided by employers; giving assistance and advice to new and prospective members; and organising events … but what type of events?

Well, here’s a small sample of things we get involved in!

Student Conference

Hosted by the CIPA Executive and the Honorary Secretary, the CIPA Student Conference brings together trainees from across the country for an exciting day full of useful sessions and networking. A highlight of the conference is the “moot court session”, where trainees volunteer to represent the interests of two clients in a patent litigation case.

A visit to the UK Intellectual Property Office

We have collaborated with examiners at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to run a yearly event where trainees will visit the IPO in person. The visits include sessions on how the UKIPO assesses inventive step, a claims drafting workshop, and an informal discussion with a UK examiner.

Observing how examiners approach different cases and hearing firsthand anecdotes from their experiences offers invaluable lessons that extend beyond the confines of any single patent application. These insights contribute to the holistic development of trainee patent attorneys, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.

Sports

In the realm of law, where the billable hour is monarch, the significance of fostering camaraderie among trainee’s cannot be overstated.

To this end, we organise a yearly 5-a-side football tournament open to all member’s of CIPA (both students and fellows). This is always an adrenaline filled evening, where the inner competitive of the profession is revealed. Alongside this, we facilitate and encourage inter-firm softball matches at Hyde Park. These matches are a more casual affair, where team captains organise amongst themselves to play ball and have a beer!

Yoga Sessions

Picture a corner of the office transformed into a sanctuary of calm and tranquillity – this is where the well-being officer orchestrates regular yoga sessions for trainee patent attorneys. These sessions offer a precious opportunity to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with the present moment amid the demands of patent law. Led by a member of the committee the yoga classes cater to trainees!

A podcast: ‘The IP Survival Guide’

We have launched a podcast series tailored to the interest and concerns of trainees. From discussions on recent developments in patent law to interviews with seasoned practitioners and wellness experts, the podcast provides a platform for learning, sharing insights, and fostering professional growth

Conclusion

If you decide to become a patent attorney, the Informals Committee looks forward to welcoming you, and hopes to see you at our educational and social events. The best way to keep up to date with Informals activity, and what roles are available in the profession, is to subscribe to our blog the Yellow Sheet, and join our Linkedln group.