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 welfare & wellbeing, DEI and developments in case law, to name a few.

To this end, the Honorary Secretary’s 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 Induction Day and Future Attorneys Conference

Hosted by CIPA with the support of the Informals, these events are both a fantastic opportunity to bring trainees together from across the UK. The Student Induction Day – aimed at new trainees – provides a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a patent attorney for those just starting out in the profession. Meanwhile, the Future Attorneys Conference – for trainees with 2+ years of experience – features a programme of interesting and more involved sessions related to IP, including the long-standing ‘Moot Court’.

UK Intellectual Property Office visits

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 members of CIPA (both students and fellows). This is always an adrenaline filled evening, where the  competitive nature of the profession is revealed. Alongside this, we have facilitated 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!

Welfare events

The Informals committee runs a wide range of events that are focussed on trainees’ wellbeing. Last year, our Welfare Secretaries organised padel ball tournaments in London and Manchester to give students an opportunity to unwind. We also organise regular wellbeing coffee clubs. Additionally, our welfare email is only a click away, with trained Mental Health First Aiders available to provide support when they can.

Regional socials

Our team of Regional Secretaries are always looking to organise fun and varied events, right across the length and breadth of the country. In the past, our socials have included crazy golf, board game nights, cricket batting cages, bowling and darts (as well as the occasion pub trip…). Wherever you are located, and whatever piques your interest, fun is never too far away!

‘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.