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Paragraph 29a of the PAG provides: ‘In the case of companies for the exercise of the profession of patent agent, the following requirements must be fulfilled at all times: 1. Only the following may be members: (a) patent agents; (b) spouses or registered partners and children of a patent agent belonging to the company; (c) former patent agents who have given up the exercise of the profession of patent agent and were members at the time of giving up or whose practice is continued by the company; (d) the surviving spouse or registered partner and children of a deceased patent agent if he was a member at the time of decease or if the surviving spouse or registered partner or children enter into partnership with a patent agent for the purpose of continuing the practice; (e) Austrian private foundations set up by one or more members, where the exclusive purpose of the foundation is the support of the persons mentioned in points (a) to (d). 2. Patent agents may belong to the company only as personally liable partners or, in the case of limited liability companies, as members with powers of representation and management. The members mentioned in point 1(b) to (e) may belong to the company only as limited partners, as members with no powers of representation and management, or in the manner of a silent partner. Persons other than members may not participate in the turnover or profit of the company. 3. Cessation of the exercise of the profession of patent agent (Paragraph 48(1)(c)) shall not prevent membership of the company, but shall prevent representation and management. 4. Spouses or registered partners (point 1(b)) may belong to the company only for the duration of the marriage or registered partnership, and children (point 1(b) and(d)) only until completion of their 35th year and thereafter for as long as they are preparing for the acquisition of the profession of patent agent. 5. All members must hold their rights in their own name and on their own account; fiduciary transfer and exercise of rights in the company is not permitted. 6. The activity of the company must be limited to the exercise of the profession of patent agent including the necessary ancillary activities and the management of the company’s assets. 7. At least one patent agent member must have the seat of his practice at the seat of the company. Paragraph 25a shall apply by analogy to the establishment of branches. 8. Patent agents may belong to only one company; the company agreement may however provide that a patent agent belonging to the company may also exercise the profession of patent agent outside the company. The participation of companies of patent agents in other associations for the joint exercise of a profession is not permitted. 9. All patent agents belonging to the company must individually have powers of representation and management. All other members must be excluded from representation and management. 10. In a company of patent agents in the form of a limited liability company, persons other than patent agent members may not be appointed as manager. In a company of patent agents, a power of attorney and a power to carry out transactions cannot validly be granted. 11. Patent agents must have a decisive influence in the formation of the will of the company. The exercise of the mandate by a patent agent belonging to the company may not be subject to the instructions or approval of the members (general meeting of members).’