The Charted Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) is the professional and examining body for patent attorneys (also known as patent agents) in the United Kingdom. The Institute was founded in 1882 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1891. It represents virtually all the 1600 registered patent attorneys in the United Kingdom, whether they practise in industry or in private practice. Total membership is over 3000 and includes trainee patent attorneys and other professionals with an interest in intellectual property matters.

CIPA maintains the Register of Patent Agents under statutory authority on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry and reports to the Controller-General of Patents, Trade Marks and Designs at the UK Intellectual Property Office.

Despite the historic name of the Institute, patent attorneys have always been qualified to advise on trade marks, designs and copyright as well as patents (collectively known as intellectual property).

CIPA is run by a Council of 26 members elected by the Fellows of the Institute. CIPA’s activities include:

• advising the UK Government and other international bodies on policy and practice matters
• maintaining a code of conduct for its members to observe
• providing training for its members both pre- and post-qualification
• organising patent clinics for members of the public
• providing informative publications for the general public.

for more information, please see our website or contact:

The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents
95 Chancery Lane
London WC2A 1DT

tel: +44 (0) 20 7405 9450
fax: +44 (0) 20 7430 0471

e-mail: mail@cipa.org.uk
www.cipa.org.uk

page last updated: 24 Sep 2008