Industry links

There are many different organisations that can help with your IP career – here are some key professional associations and resources that make a great place to start:

CIPA

The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) is the professional and examining body for patent attorneys in the United Kingdom. CIPA also produces a number of study guides, plus a printed and online Journal.

CITMA

The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) is a professional membership organisation with the power to shape law and practice, both nationally and internationally. It represents the interests of over 1,600 trade mark and design professionals, bringing recognition to the work they do.

EPO & WIPO

As the patent office for Europe, the European Patent Office supports innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe. The World Intellectual Properly Organization (WIPO) is the global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. It is a self-funding agency of the United Nations, with 193 member states.

THE INFORMALS

The Informals is a trainee-run organisation providing social events and training resources to technical assistants, trainee Patent Attorneys and part-qualified Patent Attornees across the profession. Their newsletter – The Yellow Sheet – contains information about upcoming events, professional development and mental health resources, plus they have an excellent handbook for trainee patent attorneys which you can read here.

IP CAREERS

IP Careers helps intellectual property professionals find their perfect job, ranging from internships and graduate trainees to experienced jobs. The website also features a host of in-depth careers advice written by industry experts.

IP INCLUSIVE

IP Inclusive is an initiative which brings people together from across the IP sector in pursuit of a common goal: to promote and improve equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing within our community. It was created by volunteers, for volunteers, and is powered by the generosity and commitment of IP professionals and the organisations they work in.

JONATHAN’S VOICE

Jonathan’s Voice is a mental health charity, specialising in support for IP professionals. It was setup in memory of Jonathan McCartney, who tragically took his own life, and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and to empower people to speak up and reach out for help when they need it.