This article provides an overview of the principal Intellectual Property (IP) law programmes and modules relevant to trainees, as well as to individuals considering a career as a qualified Patent Attorney.

The programmes discussed enable candidates to develop both academic knowledge and practical skills in the field of intellectual property. They may also form part of the pathway to qualification as a registered Patent Attorney with the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg), the independent regulatory body for the Patent Attorney and Trade Mark Attorney professions in the United Kingdom.

Qualification as a Patent Attorney

In order to qualify as a Patent Attorney in the UK, candidates must successfully complete the IPReg-accredited Foundation Certificate examinations administered by the Patent Examination Board (PEB), together with the Final Diploma examinations, also administered by the PEB. However, certain accredited academic programmes provide exemptions from some of these examinations.

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) offers an IPReg-accredited programme leading to a Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property. Successful completion of this programme provides trainees with an exemption from the Foundation Certificate examinations.

The QMUL programme typically provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal framework governing intellectual property. They also examine the principal forms of intellectual property protection, including patents, trade marks, copyright and designs, together with the theoretical foundations of these rights and the legal regimes that regulate them. In addition, the programme includes an intensive introductory course in law and professional ethics designed for candidates without a prior legal background.

The structure, duration and method of delivery of these courses vary between institutions. Prospective candidates should therefore consult the relevant universities directly for detailed information regarding course content and study arrangements.

QMUL also offers a one-year MSc in the Management of Intellectual Property, which similarly provides exemptions from the Foundation Certificate examinations. This programme is designed for individuals wishing to specialise in intellectual property law, particularly those intending to pursue careers as Patent or Trade Mark Attorneys. The programme provides comprehensive instruction across the core IP disciplines, with a primary focus on UK law while maintaining a strong European and international perspective.

Unlike the certificate courses described above, which are commonly undertaken by trainees after commencing employment with a firm, the MSc programme is typically pursued independently and attracts candidates with a broader range of professional interests.

Certain other academic qualifications may also provide exemptions from specific Foundation Certificate examinations. For example, a qualifying law degree may provide an exemption from the foundational law examination. A complete list of available exemptions is published by the PEB. At present, no academic programme provides exemptions from all of the UK Final Diploma examinations or from the European Qualifying Examination.

In addition to passing the relevant examinations, candidates must also satisfy practical training requirements. In particular, candidates must complete at least two years of full-time practice in intellectual property, including substantial experience of patent attorney work undertaken in the UK or elsewhere under the supervision of a UK Patent Attorney or a solicitor or barrister with significant experience of patent attorney work. Alternatively, candidates may qualify by completing at least four years of unsupervised full-time practice in intellectual property, including substantial patent-related work. Further information regarding these requirements is available on the IPReg website.

Preparation for Examinations

On 1 January 2025, the revised Regulation on the European Qualifying Examination for professional representatives before the European Patent Office (REE) entered into force. This reform introduced a new structure for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE).

Under the new framework, the EQE will consist of a foundation examination (“Paper F”), followed by four modular papers: M1, M2, M3 and M4. The new format is being implemented progressively. Paper F was introduced in 2025, Papers M1 and M2 will be introduced in 2026, and Papers M3 and M4 will be introduced in 2027.

Candidates who would previously have been eligible to sit the EQE Pre-Examination in 2025 but instead sat Paper F will no longer be able to take the former examination papers A, B, C and D in 2026. Those candidates must instead sit Papers M1 and M2 in 2026 and subsequently sit Papers M3 and M4 in 2027. Accordingly, 2026 will be the final year in which the previous examination papers A, B, C and D are offered. From 2027 onwards, the new EQE structure (F, M1, M2, M3 and M4) will be fully implemented.

Further information regarding the revised EQE format is available on the European Patent Office website.

In addition to the lectures and tutorials provided by the CIPA Informals group, which are designed to support candidates preparing for the UK and European examinations, many firms provide in-house training focused on examination preparation and technique. A number of specialist training providers also offer dedicated preparation courses.

Courses commonly attended by UK trainees include those offered by JDD Consultants, CEIPI and DeltaPatents. JDD courses typically cover both the UK and European examinations and usually last between one and a half and two days per examination. CEIPI seminars vary in duration from one and a half days to a full week. DeltaPatents offers a range of courses across Europe, including courses held in London.

QMUL is also expected to offer an EQE preparation course covering Papers F, M1, M2, M3 and M4. The course is scheduled to take place in January and February 2027. Please check their website for further details.

Litigation Training

Candidates seeking entry to the IPReg Register of Patent Attorneys on or after 1 January 2013 are required to complete an IPReg-approved Basic Litigation Skills Course (BLSC). This course must be successfully completed either before registration, at the point of registration, or within three years following the end of the calendar year in which registration occurs.

The BLSC is currently offered by CPD Training and the University of Nottingham, although the precise format varies between providers. Upon successful completion of the course and application to IPReg, Patent Attorneys are awarded the Intellectual Property Litigation Certificate (ILPC), which confers rights to conduct litigation and rights of audience in certain proceedings.

Two additional higher-level certificates are also available and may be obtained either before or after registration. These certificates permit Patent Attorneys to undertake litigation and advocacy in the higher courts, although they are not mandatory for practice.

It should also be noted that practitioners wishing to appear before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) must complete an accredited course conferring rights of audience before that court. Further information on these certificates is available from the IPReg and CIPA websites.

Qualification as a Trade Mark Attorney

Qualifying as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney in the United Kingdom requires the completion of two IPReg-accredited postgraduate programmes, at least two years of supervised full-time relevant work experience, and the satisfaction of character and suitability requirements.

Trainees must first complete the Foundation Certificate programme, which is offered by a limited number of universities, including QMUL. This programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal framework governing intellectual property in the UK and Europe. It examines the principal forms of intellectual property protection, including trade marks, copyright and designs, together with the theoretical foundations of these rights and the legal regimes that regulate them. In addition, the programme includes an intensive introductory course in law and professional ethics designed for candidates without a prior legal background.

Once the Foundation Certificate programme has been successfully completed, candidates must enrol in and complete the Professional Certificate in Trade Mark Practice, which is offered by Nottingham Law School.

Taking a Specialist IP Law Course Prior to Entering the Profession

Undertaking one of the programmes discussed above prior to securing a trainee position, and at personal expense, does not necessarily improve a candidate’s prospects of obtaining employment. Although completion of such a programme may be regarded favourably by some employers, it is rarely decisive in the recruitment process.

In practice, most trainees undertake these courses only after commencing employment with a firm. Prospective trainees are therefore advised to enquire, prior to accepting a position, about the specific courses on which the firm enrols its trainees and the level of financial support provided in respect of tuition fees, travel and accommodation.

Finally, it should be emphasised that only programmes currently accredited by IPReg are recognised as contributing towards the qualification pathway for Patent Attorneys. Diplomas, master’s degrees and other qualifications obtained from non-accredited institutions are not accepted for IPReg qualification purposes.