Source: https://www.ttipattorney.gov.au/become-a-registered-attorney/registration-process
Timestamp: 2020-02-28 01:46:46
Document Index: 105246898

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 1', 'arts 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3']

Registration process | ttipattorney
Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board
Become a registered attorney
Right of practice
Registration requirements for patent attorneys and trade marks attorneys
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and New Zealand Qualifications framework (NZQF)
Statement of skill for patent attorneys
Statement of skill by a registered patent attorney
Statement of skill prepared by the Board
How to register as a patent attorney
How to register as a trade mark attorney
How to register as an incorporated attorney
Transitional provisions for registration
For registered attorneys
Restoration to the registers
Restoring registration
Voluntary removal from the registers
Contacting the Designated Manager
Mandatory continuing professional education requirements
Timeframe for completing continuing professional education
Continuing professional education providers
Tips for meeting continuing professional education requirements
Dealing with complaints - for attorneys
How hearings are conducted
Unqualified at time of registration
Registration obtained by fraud
What you should know about the regulations
Disciplinary guidelines for registered attorneys
Commencing disciplinary proceedings
Confidentiality of informants
Requiring information from the attorney
The Board's decision on commencing proceedings
Disciplinary guidelines for incorporated attorneys
Basis for a cancellation or suspension application
Commencing a cancellation or suspension application
To register as a trade marks or patent attorney you are required to file an application, meet certain legislative requirements and pay a fee. You can also register as an incorporated attorney. The following are guidelines to help you prepare your application.
To register as a patent attorney, you must have all of the following parts approved.
When compiling your application, please set out the information in a clear and logical manner.
This should be done whether applying for each part of the registration separately or in one combined application.
The information provided should be directly relevant to your application and show sufficient depth of study with outcomes the same as, or similar to, those required.
If you need to provide detailed information on your academic qualification, or are seeking an exemption, then please indicate the specific topics in the courses completed which are relevant to your application.
You should also provide detailed course content information for those topics, including information in relation to the content and scope of the topic.
Compiling your application in this way will assist the smooth transition of your application to the Board, and assist it in considering your application.
Application for approval of qualifications - patents
To apply for approval of your academic qualification, you first need to have a suitable qualification in a field of science or technology that includes patentable subject matter. Under regulation 20.6 of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth), this qualification must be a Level 5 or higher qualification awarded under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
This is the first, most fundamental step for anyone considering becoming a patent attorney.
The Board considers all qualification applications at Board meetings. Certified copies of the original need to be emailed through to mail.ttipab@ipaustralia.gov.au within the allocated timeframe.
Board meetings usually take place three times a year. Applications need to be submitted six weeks prior to the next Board meeting.
For more information, refer to academic qualification to be a patent attorney.
Exemptions from knowledge requirements
You can apply for an Exemption from the knowledge requirements if you believe you're eligible.
Exemptions can only be applied for on the basis of your courses of study, NOT experience.
Any granted exemption letter should then be submitted to the Board with an application for approval of knowledge requirements.
The Board considers most Exemption applications.
The Board will grant an exemption for professional conduct on the basis of you being admitted to practice in Australia within the last seven years.
The Secretary has a delegation from the Board to approve applications for legal process and professional conduct, at any time not just at a Board meeting.
The Secretary can approve:
Legal process based on an Australian Law Degree, obtained within the previous seven years. In all other cases, the application will be forwarded to the Board.
Professional conduct based on a current practising certificate issued by the designated regulatory authority of an Australian jurisdiction. In all other cases, the Application will be forwarded to the Board.
Applications must be submitted at least six weeks before a Board meeting.
Approval of knowledge requirements
Apply for approval of your knowledge requirements.
This involves providing proof of completing accredited courses of the nine topic groups and/or evidence of being granted exemptions by the Board or the former Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys (the PSB).
The Secretary has been delegated the power to approve knowledge requirement applications.
Applications for approval of the Knowledge Requirements can be processed at any time, not just at a Board meeting. The Secretary has a delegation from the Board to approve these applications if all of the required topic groups are covered by accredited courses, or exemptions that have been approved by either the PSB or the Board
For more information, refer to our knowledge requirements.
Statements of skill
Gather statements of skill by a patent attorney who has been registered in Australia and/or New Zealand for at least five years prior to the start of your period of assessment.
The statements should be based on your employment record and duties over the previous two to five years. Your experience must include experience in preparing, filing and prosecuting patent applications in Australia and New Zealand, and other counties or jurisdictions specified in subregulation 20.10(1) of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth).
Statement(s) of skill go to the Designated Manager (the Director General of IP Australia), along with the registration application form and other required material.
The statement of skill for patent attorneys provides some guidance on what is required in a statement of skill.
There is no deadline for applications that go to the Designated Manager.
If an applicant is unable to obtain a statement of skill from a patent attorney who has been registered for at least five years, the Board may, at the request of the applicant, prepare a statement of skill in relation to the applicant.
In this case, the statement will need to be submitted six weeks prior to a Board Meeting.
Apply to the Designated Manager for registration as a patent attorney.
The preferred method for filing applications for registration is to combine all of the application documentation into a single PDF document and upload it through the eServices portal at the time of paying the prescribed fee. Alternatively, you can email your application documentation to the Designated Manager (Director General of IP Australia) via the Secretary at any time to:
Mail.ttipab@ipaustralia.gov.au – and pay the prescribed fee separately.
Applications for registration, once submitted to the Designated Manager, will take around 15 working days to be approved. Once approved, the Secretary will be in contact to advise the outcome.
When you apply for registration, make sure the information in your application is relevant and clearly set out.
the registration application form, Application for registration as a patent attorney in PDF format [625.81 KB]
a letter from the PSB or Board re academic qualification approval
a letter from the PSB or Board re knowledge requirements
a statement of skill as to pre-registration employment and duties
a declaration by yourself regarding offences under subregulation 20.12(1) of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth)
a declaration by another party regarding your good fame, integrity and character. (Please note: the person who is giving the Declaration must include how long they have known the applicant and what their relationship is, e.g., colleague, supervisor. You cannot use a family member for this declaration).
The prescribed fee of AU$300 payable via the eServices portal.
Please ensure you keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents; applicants frequently find that they need these documents later for purposes unrelated to their application, and the TTIPAB Secretariat may not be able to immediately locate them for you.
Information about documents
All documents, certificates, academic transcripts or awards must be certified copies.
Please use the Declaration form, Declaration form in PDF format [685.78 KB].
Certification of copies of documents should be done by those who are qualified to witness a declaration. A listing of authorised witnesses can be found here.
Certification of copies of documents should be done on the actual copy, not on a separate page.
Certification is simply done by writing on the copy that "I have sighted the original document and this is a true and correct copy of the original document". Sign and date the copy, then print or stamp the name and the qualifications of the certifier.
Multi-page documents should be certified on each page. Alternatively, multi-page documents can be certified on the first page and initialed by the certifier on each subsequent page. In this latter case, the certifier should also indicate on the first page the total number of pages they have certified.
The application fee for a new registration as a patent attorney is AU$300.
The application fee for a new registration as a patent attorney and trade marks attorney is AU$500.
An annual renewal fee of AU$350 is payable on 1 July each year. A renewal notice is sent to all registered attorneys by no later than 1 June each year. If renewal hasn't been received by 31 July, you will be removed from the register for non-payment.
The restoration fee following a voluntary removal or being removed for non-payment is AU$600.
The annual fee for dual-registration as a patent attorney and trade marks attorney is AU$550.
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eServices how to guide
Guidelines on knowledge requirements for patent attorneys
These guidelines have been written by the Board to provide guidance to an applicant seeking registration as a patent attorney.
An applicant cannot be registered as a patent attorney unless the Board is satisfied that an applicant has the ‘knowledge of intellectual property (IP) law and practice that is required for a person to practise as a patent attorney’.
knowledge requirements: schedule 5 of the Patents Regulations 1991 is the legislative basis for the guidelines
areas of study: completion of these provides what the Board considers an appropriate level of knowledge requirements to practise as a patent attorney
satisfying the knowledge requirements by:
completing an accredited course for these purposes; or
gaining an exemption from having to satisfy the requirements
applying for approval of knowledge requirements
The knowledge requirements as set out in schedule 5 are:
Part 1: Overall requirement
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of:
knowledge and practical application so the student can give advice about applicable categories of protection for particular activities
appreciation of the advantages of each form of protection for a client
understanding of how to get and maintain appropriate protection for a client
understanding of the required standard of professional conduct
Part 2: Legal process and overview of intellectual property
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the Australian New Zealand legal systems and how intellectual property rights may be protected.
Part 3: Professional conduct
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a patent attorney.
Part 4: Intellectual property law
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the principles of trade marks, patents, designs and copyright.
Part 5: Intellectual property systems
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the system of protecting and exploiting trade marks, patents and designs, both in Australia and New Zealand, and in other countries. This includes:
the ability to draft patent specifications
an understanding of patent specifications
the ability to advise on the interpretation, validity and infringement of patent specifications
The regulations allow the Board to publish guidelines setting out the criteria for deciding whether or not areas of study meet the knowledge requirements.
The Board has established a curriculum of studies that will satisfy the minimum knowledge requirements for registration as a trade marks attorney of schedule 5.
The curriculum consists of nine topic groups that form the basis for approval of programs of study offered by accredited educational institutions.
The present curriculum will also satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration as a trade marks attorney.
Provided all requirements are satisfied, it is possible to obtain dual registration as a patent attorney and a trade marks attorney.
Each topic group is equivalent in workload to a normal unit of study in a semester at a higher education institution (approximately 25% of a full-time study load).
It is recognised that some courses may have no formal contact hours, such as in distance or on-line education, or may be taught in intensive mode. In those instances, the total time requirement may be a more reliable guide to the workload of the course than the formal contact hours.
The nine topic groups
The Board curriculum addresses the knowledge requirements in Schedule 5 as follows:
Part 1: Overall requirements
These requirements will be met by satisfying all of the knowledge requirements in Parts 2-5.
Group A1 - Legal Process
Group A2 - Overview of Intellectual Property
Group B - Professional Conduct
Group C - Trade Marks Law
Group E - Patent Law
Group I - Designs Law
Group D - Trade Marks Practice
Group F - Patent System
Group G - Drafting Patent Specifications
Group H - Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications
The overall objective is for an applicant to have an appropriate level of:
knowledge and practical application so that the applicant can give advice about applicable categories of protection for particular activities
Satisfying the knowledge requirements
The knowledge requirements may be satisfied by:
satisfactorily completing a PSB or Board accredited course of study; or
gaining an exemption in relation to one or more courses of study (topic groups).
Further information about each of these ways of satisfying the knowledge requirements is set out below.
Accredited courses of study
A topic group may be passed by successfully completing a course of study offered by a university or any other institution accredited by the PSB or the Board in relation to that topic group.
The knowledge gained from accredited studies remains valid for a maximum of 10 years after the date of completion of study of the particular accredited course.
Exemptions for non-accredited courses of study
The Board may exempt an applicant from having to satisfy all or some of the requirements of a topic group on the basis of previous studies in a non-accredited course (including a course previously or subsequently accredited, but that was not accredited for the particular year in which the applicant completed it).
Before granting an exemption, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant has passed the course of study at a satisfactory level and that the course has outcomes that are the ’same as, or similar to, those of an accredited course for the knowledge requirement for which the exemption is sought’.
Applicants should note that an accredited course of study for topic groups C and D for registration as a trade marks attorney will not support an application for exemption for the same topic group for registration as a trans-Tasman patent attorney because the trade marks attorney course does not have sufficient New Zealand content.
Relevant studies completed within seven years prior to application will normally be eligible for an exemption. Older qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but the Board cannot be satisfied if the knowledge on which the applicant relies was gained more than 10 years prior to the date of the application.
In considering whether a course completed over seven years ago remains current, the Board takes care to ensure that the studies are relevant to current practice.
For example, the Board may decline to grant an exemption where the law has changed significantly, rendering the prior studies inappropriate or obsolete. This situation is less likely to arise in areas dealing with concepts of enduring relevance, such as knowledge of legal processes.
Once an exemption has been given, it remains valid for five years, or such longer period as the Board may stipulate in writing. After that date, if the applicant has not been registered as a patent attorney, the Board may decide that the course is outdated and must be repeated.
Information for granting an exemption from a topic group
Exemptions may be sought from any of the nine topic groups approved by the Board.
In assessing an exemption application, the Board seeks extensive information about the course. This normally includes:
evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the subject. This is normally validated by the applicant supplying a certified copy of their academic transcript
completing a mapping of the topic requirements against the course undertaken, together with evidence of the inclusion of the particular component
the approved application forms have been designed to assist applicants in supplying the required details whether the course is based on a law that is the same or similar to the Australian law applying to the topic group. The final page of each form includes a listing of the necessary topics that need to be mapped out by the applicant.
duration and workload
In looking at the methods of assessment, the Board needs to be satisfied that the applicant has been assessed on a broad selection of the course.
Applicants often fail to provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the Board that a particular course has met the requirements. The inclusion of a relevant item in a course outline will not suffice.
The Board needs to be assured that the time allocations permit the subject matter to be studied in sufficient depth. For this reason, applicants are urged wherever possible to provide detailed course outlines for the year in which the course was taken by the applicant.
Where such outlines are unavailable, applicants may need to obtain a letter or statement from someone involved in teaching the course that can provide the necessary information.
Minor shortcomings within topic groups
The regulations permit the Board to declare that it is satisfied that an applicant has the required knowledge to practice as a patent attorney even though they have not met all of the knowledge requirements of Schedule 5.
This concession will apply to small gaps in the record of study, such as the omission of a minor aspect of a particular topic group. It will not apply where there are significant gaps or where an entire topic group has not been studied formally.
International qualifications may be submitted to gain exemptions.
However, the Board does not grant exemptions purely on the basis that a qualification from another jurisdiction has satisfied the requirements of that jurisdiction. It generally requires that the law should be similar to that in Australia and/or that the legal institutions and their workings are similar.
Some topic groups, such as patent law or trade marks law, require substantial Australian and New Zealand content.
Other topic groups such as drafting patent specifications are not so jurisdictionally distinct and the Board may look more favourably on practical subjects for exemption.
Generally speaking, exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis with the crucial issues being that of content and the successful completion of a course of study. The Board cannot consider an applicant’s work experience when determining whether to grant an exemption.
Status of exemptions granted by universities
Universities and other accredited providers sometimes grant exemptions or waivers of prerequisites for subjects in their academic programs to enable students to progress to advanced studies or to satisfy requirements for their degrees or diplomas.
The Board recognises the right of a university to grant exemptions for its own academic purposes. However, the Board does not recognise these exemptions.
The Board has a statutory responsibility to make its own assessment of the relevance and adequacy of the prior studies on which an exemption is sought. As such, an application for exemption will still have to be made to the Board for assessment.
Thus, for example, an institution may grant an exemption from patent law on the basis that the applicant has previously studied that area overseas, or as part of a general course on intellectual property. However, an application would still have to be made to the Board for an exemption, and it would be unlikely that the Board would be satisfied that those prior studies would justify an exemption for Patent Law - Topic Group E as it may not cover any Australian and New Zealand patent law or be studied to a sufficient depth.
Knowledge acquired through experience
The regulations stipulate that the requisite knowledge must be gained through formal study at a university or other approved institution.
Knowledge gained by experience will not be taken into account when deciding whether an exemption from a study requirement may be granted.
In relation to knowledge requirements, the regulations envisage a course of study. This is a theme throughout the regulations and knowledge gained through experience is not contemplated.
Summary of satisfying the knowledge requirements
In summary, the knowledge requirements may be satisfied by:
Completing an accredited course or courses of study to satisfy some or all the requirements of Schedule 5 (the nine topic groups). Passes in accredited courses remain valid for 10 years.
Obtaining an exemption for some or all of the requirements of Schedule 5 on the basis of completion of a course of study within the previous seven year period or longer as allowed by the PSB or the Board.
Some combination of the above dot points.
Satisfying the Board that the applicant has the required knowledge by a means other than completing a course of study. The Board will consider this criterion on a case by case basis following receipt of a request made under regulation 20.8(4) of the Patents Regulations 1991.
The following table summarises the period of validity in each case:
Basis for satisfaction of knowledge requirements
Normally a maximum of seven years before exemption granted, plus five years following exemption. The Board may extend either period in individual cases.
The following information is relevant for applicants who choose to seek exemptions by addressing the topic groups in the curriculum approved by the Board.
Applications for exemption should be made on the approved forms below. The form comes in three parts
Part 1 is the Privacy Notice. Part 2 is the cover form. Part 3 relates to the particular topic group in which the exemption is sought.
Topic Group A1 - Legal Process (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group A2 - Overview of IP (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group B - Professional Conduct (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group C - Trade Marks Law (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group D - Trade Marks Practice (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group E -Patent Law (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group F - Patent Systems (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group G - Drafting Patent Specifications (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group H - Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications (for patent attorney applications)
Topic Group I - Designs (for patent attorney applications)
Applicants making applications are required to complete both parts of the application and also provide:
a certified copy of the academic record or similar official record indicating successful completion of the course(s) of study on which the application for exemption is based
syllabus details showing detailed information of the course(s) from handbook subject descriptions or course outlines
information on the assessment regime for each course and evidence that the assessment covered relevant topic areas.
How to apply for approval of knowledge requirements
Before an applicant can be registered as a patent attorney, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant has the 'knowledge of intellectual property law and practice required to practice as a patent attorney'.
Once an applicant has satisfied the relevant requirements, either through passing an accredited course or gaining an exemption from the Board for each topic group, the applicant must apply to the Board for their approval.
As Board meetings are usually only held three times a year, the Board has enabled the Board Secretary to approve knowledge requirements in most cases.
Applicants should check with the Board Secretariat.
An application must be on the application form:
evidence that you have the relevant knowledge
a certified copy of any academic record that shows the study that contributes to the knowledge.
The Board will notify you within 42 days of its decision of whether or not it is satisfied that you have met the requirements.
Do not certify your own documents or write a statutory declaration certifying your own documents.
How to register as a trade marks attorney
To register as a trade marks attorney, you must have all of the following parts approved.
When compiling your application, please set out the information in a clear and logical manner. This should be done whether applying for each part of the registration separately or in one combined application.
If you need to provide detailed information on your academic qualification or are seeking an exemption, then please indicate the specific topics in the courses completed which are relevant to your application. You should also provide detailed course content information for those topics, including information in relation to the content and scope of the topic.
Compiling your application in this way will assist the smooth transition of your application to the Board and assist the Board when considering your application.
Application for approval of Academic qualifications
The Board may approve a Level 5 or higher Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualification, or an equivalent foreign qualification.
The Secretary has been delegated power to approve Qualification Applications where the application relates to a qualification provided by regulation 20.6(a) of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth), or where the Board has already approved the qualification under regulation 20.6(1)(b) of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth).
There is no deadline for Australian Qualification Applications for Trade Marks.
All overseas qualifications will be considered by the Board. In this instance, the application will need to be submitted six weeks before the next Board meeting.
For more information refer to Academic qualifications.
Apply for exemptions from the knowledge requirements that you believe you may be eligible for.
Exemptions can only be applied for on the basis of your courses of study, NOT experience. The granted exemption letter should then be submitted to the Board with an application for approval of Knowledge Requirements.
The Board considers most exemption applications. The Board will grant an exemption for Professional Conduct on the basis of you being admitted to practice in Australia or New Zealand within the last 7 years.
The Secretary has delegation from the Board to approve applications for Legal Process and Professional Conduct. The Secretary can approve:
Legal Process on the basis of an Australian or New Zealand Bachelor of Laws Degree, obtained within the previous 7 years. In all other cases, the application will be forwarded to the Board.
Professional Conduct on the basis of a current Australian Legal Practicing Certificate. In all other cases, the application will be forwarded to the Board.
Applications must be submitted at least 6 weeks before a Board meeting.
Application for trade marks knowledge requirements
This involves providing proof of completing accredited courses of the four topic groups and/or evidence of being granted exemptions by the PSB and/or the Board.
The Secretary has been delegated the power to approve Knowledge Requirement applications from candidates who have passed Board-accredited courses or who have exemptions granted by the PSB or the Board within the time limits provided in the relevant regulations.
Applications for approval of the Knowledge Requirements can be processed at any time, not just at Board meeting. The Secretary has a delegation from the Board to approve these applications if all of the required topic groups are covered by accredited courses, or exemptions that have been approved by either the PSB or the Board.
For more information, refer to the Knowledge requirements.
Apply to the Designated Manager for Registration as a Trade marks Attorney.
Application for registration as a trade marks attorney
Mail.ttipab@ipaustralia.gov.au – and pay the prescribed fee separately
the Registration Application Form, Application for registration as a trade marks attorney
a declaration by yourself regarding Offences under subregulation 20.10(1) of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth)
a declaration by another party regarding your good fame, integrity and character. Please note that the person who is giving the declaration must include how long they have known the applicant and what their relationship is, e.g., colleague, supervisor. You cannot use a family member for this declaration.
The prescribed fee of AU$200.00, payable via the eServices portal.
Please ensure you keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents; applicants frequently find that they need these documents later for purposes unrelated to their application, and the Board Secretariat may not be able to immediately locate them for you.
Please use the Board's Declaration Form, Declaration form.
Certification is simply done by writing on the copy that "I have sighted the original document and this is a true and correct copy of the original document. Sign and date the copy, print or stamp the name and the qualifications of the certifier.
Multi-page documents should be certified on each page. Alternatively, multi-page documents can be certified on the first page and initialled by the certifier on each subsequent page. In this latter case, the certifier should also indicate on the first page the total number of pages they have certified.
Trade marks attorney fees
Application fee for new registration as a trade marks attorney - AU$200.
Annual renewal fee - AU$350 is payable on 1 July each year. A renewal notice is sent to all registered attorneys no later than 1 June each year. If renewal hasn't been received by 31 July, you will be removed from the register for non-payment.
Restoration fee following Voluntary Removal or removed for non-payment - AU$600.
For information on what happens if you don’t pay the renewal fee, refer to the Renewals page.
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Guidelines on knowledge requirements for trade marks attorneys
These guidelines have been written by the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (the Board) to provide guidance to applicants seeking registration as a trade marks attorney.
An applicant cannot be registered as a trade marks attorney unless the Board is satisfied that an applicant has the ‘knowledge of intellectual property law and practice that is required for a person to practise as a trade marks attorney’.
The knowledge requirements as set out in Schedule 5 to the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth) [and modified by regulation 20.11 of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth)] are:
knowledge and practical application so that the student can give advice about applicable categories of protection for particular activities
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the Australian legal system and how intellectual property rights may be protected, including by reference to:
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of a patent attorney or trade marks attorney.
A course of study must provide for a student to have an appropriate level of understanding of the system of protecting and exploiting trade marks, both in Australia and other countries.
The Board has established a curriculum of studies that will satisfy the minimum knowledge requirements of Schedule 5 of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth) (as amended for trade marks attorneys).
The curriculum consists of four topic groups that form the basis for approval of programs of study offered by accredited educational institutions. It is intended that the curriculum will be dynamic and flexible. However, any changes to this curriculum will be made well in advance of implementation and steps will be taken to ensure that applicants currently enrolled will not be disadvantaged.
The present curriculum is very similar to the first four topic groups that will satisfy the knowledge requirements for registration as a patent attorney (topic groups A - D). However, New Zealand content is now required within the course to obtain approval to use A-D to satisfy the knowledge requirements for patent attorney registration.
Each topic group is equivalent in workload to a normal unit of study in a semester at a higher education institution (approximately 25 per cent of a full-time study load).
It is recognised that some courses may have no formal contact hours, such as in distance or on-line education, or may be taught in intensive mode. In those instances, the total time requirement may be a more reliable guide to the workload of the course rather than the formal contact hours.
The four topic groups
The Board curriculum consists of four topic groups. It addresses the knowledge requirements in Schedule 5, as amended for registration as a trade marks attorney, as follows:
Group D - Trade Mark Practice
The overall objective is for a candidate to have an appropriate level of:
knowledge and practical application so the candidate can give advice about applicable categories of protection for particular activities, and an appreciation of the advantages of each form of protection for a client
satisfactorily completing a PSB or Board accredited course of study
gaining an exemption in relation to one or more courses of study (topic groups)
a combination of the above dot points
satisfying the Board that the applicant has the required knowledge by a means other than completing a course of study. The Board will consider this criterion on a case by case basis following receipt of a request made under regulation 20.8(4) of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995.
Further information about the first two of these ways of satisfying the knowledge requirements is set out below
The Board may exempt an applicant from having to satisfy some or all of the requirements of a topic group on the basis of previous studies in a non-accredited course (including a course previously or subsequently accredited, but that was not accredited for the particular year in which the candidate completed it). Practical experience alone is not sufficient for an exemption to be granted.
Before granting an exemption, the Board must be satisfied that the candidate has passed the course of study at a satisfactory level and that the course has outcomes that are the ‘same as, or similar to, those of an accredited course for the knowledge requirement for which the exemption is sought’.
Applicants should note that an accredited course of study for topic groups A1, A2, B, C and D for registration as a trans-Tasman patent attorney will support an application for exemption for the same topic group for registration as a trade marks attorney because the respective courses have the same or similar Australian content.
Relevant studies completed within seven years prior to application will normally be eligible for an exemption. Older qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis, but the Board cannot be satisfied if the knowledge on which the applicant relies was gained more than 10 years prior to the date of the application.
In considering whether a course completed over seven years ago remains current, the Board takes care to ensure that the studies are relevant to current practice. For example, the Board may decline to grant an exemption where the law has changed significantly, rendering the prior studies inappropriate or obsolete. This situation is less likely to arise in areas dealing with concepts of enduring relevance, such as knowledge of legal processes.
Once an exemption has been given, it remains valid for five years, or such longer period as the Board may stipulate in writing. After that date, if the candidate has not been registered as a trade marks attorney, the Board may decide that the course is outdated and must be repeated.
Information required by the Board for the granting of an exemption from a topic group
Exemptions may be sought from any of the four topic groups approved by the Board.
evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the subject. This is normally the validated by the applicant supplying a certified copy of their academic transcript
completing a mapping of the topic requirements against the course undertaken, together with evidence of the inclusion of the particular component.
the approved application forms have been designed to assist applicants in supplying required details
whether the course is based on law that is the same or similar to the Australian law applying to the topic group. The final page of each form includes a listing of the necessary topics that need to be mapped out by the applicant.
The Board needs to be assured that the time allocations permit the subject matter to be studied in sufficient depth. For this reason, candidates are urged wherever possible to provide detailed course outlines for the year in which the course was taken by the candidate.
Where such outlines are unavailable, candidates may need to obtain a letter or statement from someone involved in teaching the course that can provide the necessary information.
International qualifications may be submitted to gain exemptions. However, the Board does not grant exemptions purely on the basis that a qualification from another jurisdiction has satisfied the requirements of that jurisdiction.
It generally requires that the law should be similar to that in Australia and/or that the legal institutions and their workings are similar.
Some topic groups, such as Trade Marks Law, require substantial Australian content. Generally speaking exemptions are granted on a case by case basis with the crucial issues being that of content and the successful completion of a course of study. The Board cannot consider an applicant’s work experience when determining whether to grant an exemption.
Universities and other accredited providers sometimes grant exemptions or waivers of prerequisites for subjects in their academic programs so as to enable students to progress to advanced studies or to satisfy requirements for their degrees or diplomas.
The Board recognises the right of a university to grant exemptions for its own academic purposes, however the Board does not recognise these exemptions.
Thus, for example, an institution may grant an exemption from Trade Mark Law on the basis that the candidate has previously studied that area overseas, or as part of a general course on intellectual property.
However, an application would still have to be made to the Board for an exemption, and it would be unlikely the Board would be satisfied that those prior studies would justify an exemption for Trade Mark Law - Topic Group C - as it may not cover Australian trade mark law or be studied to a sufficient depth.
Completing an accredited course or courses of study to satisfy some or all of the four topic groups. Passes in accredited courses remain valid for 10 years.
Obtaining an exemption for some or all of the requirements of Schedule 5 on the basis of completion of a course of study within a previous seven year period or such longer period as allowed by Board.
A combination of the above dot points.
Satisfying the Board that the applicant has the required knowledge by a means other than completing a course of study. The Board will consider this criterion on a case by case basis following receipt of a request made under regulation 20.8(4) of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth).
Normally a maximum of seven years before exemption granted, plus five years following exemption. PSB may extend either period in individual cases.
Applications for exemption should be made on the approved form. The form comes in two parts.
Topic Group A1 - Legal Process (for trade marks attorney applications)
Topic Group A2 - Overview of IP (for trade marks attorney applications)
Topic Group B - Professional Conduct (for trade marks attorney applications)
Topic Group C - Trade Marks Law (for trade marks attorney applications)
Topic Group D - Trade Marks Practice (for trade marks attorney applications)
a certified copy of the academic record or similar record indicating successful completion of the course(s) of study on which the application for exemption is based
Before an applicant can be registered as a trade marks attorney, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant has the knowledge of intellectual property law and practice required for a person to practice as a trade marks attorney.
As Board meetings are usually held three times a year, the Board has enabled the Secretary to approve knowledge requirements in cases where applicants have passed accredited courses or gained Board exemptions.
An application must be on the application form
It must be accompanied by:
Companies wishing to register as incorporated patent or trade marks attorneys can apply for registration by submitting the appropriate form and paying an application fee of AU$300 (payable at the time the registration form is submitted).
To be suitable to register as an incorporated attorney, a company must meet all of the following criteria:
be a company registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or the Companies ACT 1993 of New Zealand (for incorporated patent attorneys only)
be able to provide evidence of company incorporation
have at least one patent or trade marks attorney as a director of the company
possess professional indemnity insurance
To register as an incorporated patent or trade marks attorney follow the below steps:
1. Download the appropriate form:
Application for registration as an incorporated patent attorney.pdf in PDF format [761.38 KB]
Application for registration as an incorporated trade marks attorney.pdf in PDF format [761.97 KB]
2. Complete the form and collate the relevant supporting documentation.
Provide proof of adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance (such as a Certificate of Currency).
Provide evidence of prior incorporation of the company (such as an Australian Securities Investments Commission Certificate of Registration).
Provide the name(s) of the patent or trade marks attorney who is director of the company.
Combine all of the application documentation into a single PDF document and upload it through the eServices portal at the time of paying the prescribed fee.
Alternatively, you can email completed forms and evidence to the Designated Manager via: mail.ttipab@ipaustralia.gov.au and pay the prescribed fee separately.
The Board secretariat will process the request for registration.
The Designated Manager will then register the incorporated patent and/or trade marks attorney.
A Certificate of Registration will then be issued to the incorporated patent or trade marks attorney if the registration is accepted.
An annual fee of AU$350 for a single registered incorporated attorney, or AU$550 is payable for those companies that have a combined registration as an incorporated patent and trade marks attorney, is required on 1 July of every year to maintain registration.
Serious offence notifications
As provided in Regulation 20.28A of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth) a registered patent attorney must notify the Designated Manager regarding serious offences within 14 days of being charged with a serious offence.
Regulation 20.14A of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth) has the same requirements for a registered trade marks attorney.
A serious offence is defined in the regulations as an offence that:
involves obtaining property or a financial advantage by deception or fraudulent conduct; and
an indictable offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a state or a territory (whether or not the offence may be dealt with summarily) or
an offence against a law of a foreign country that would be an indictable offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a state or a territory if committed in Australia (whether or not the offence could be dealt with summarily if committed in Australia).
If the registered attorney fails to notify the Designated Manager of being charged with a serious offence and does not have a reasonable excuse for failing to comply, the failure to comply constitutes unsatisfactory professional conduct on behalf of the attorney.
To notify the Designated Manager of a serious offence the following procedure will be followed when an attorney is charged with a serious offence:
The charged attorney, within 14 days of being charged with a serious offence, writes to the Designated Manager (there is no form to fill in) to report the charge.
This can be done by emailing the notification to: mail.ttipab@ipaustralia.gov.au
The Designated Manager will review the case and will either inform of the result:
by written notice to the attorney, suspend the attorney's registration from the date of when the notice is given to the attorney, or
by written notice to the attorney advise that the registration will not be suspended
If a suspended attorney intends to contest the Designated Manager's ruling then the attorney has 28 days after the date of the notice, to show why the suspension should be lifted.
The Designated Manager can end the suspension in certain circumstances, for example, if the charge relating to the serious offence is not legally pursued in court.
Guidelines for Board investigations into incorporated attorneys
These guidelines set out the procedures that the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (the Board) will follow in relation to investigating an incorporated patent attorney or an incorporated trade marks attorney (incorporated attorney) and deciding whether or not to apply to the Trans Tasman IP Attorneys Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) for cancellation or suspension of the incorporated attorney's registration.
The Board has also issued guidelines on the discipline procedures relevant to an individual registered attorney.
The legislative basis of the Board's role in disciplinary proceedings against an incorporated patent attorney is regulation 20A.10 of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth) (the Regulations).
The legislative basis of the Board's role in disciplinary proceedings against an incorporated trade marks attorney is regulation 20A.10 of the Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (Cth) which are generally similar to the provisions provided by the Patents Regulations.
The focus of the Board's disciplinary procedures in relation to an incorporated attorney is to decide whether or not to apply to the Tribunal for cancellation or suspension of an incorporated attorney's registration.
The Board is not empowered to order or provide restitution to clients of incorporated attorneys. Informants seeking restitution for such matters as overcharging or failure to perform services, compensation for damage or for loss of profits, or the return of documents, need to pursue such restitution or compensation in other forums. It should be noted, however, that neither the Board nor the Secretary to the Board is able to provide legal advice.
The Board may apply to the tribunal to cancel or suspend an incorporated attorney's registration if:
an attorney who is, or was, an employee or officer of the incorporated attorney is found guilty of professional misconduct; and
the professional misconduct occurred when the attorney was an employee or officer of the incorporated attorney; and
the Tribunal has cancelled or suspended the attorney's registration
The regulations define professional misconduct as:
unsatisfactory professional conduct that involves a substantial or consistent failure to reach reasonable standards of competence and diligence; or
any other conduct, whether occurring in connection with practice as an attorney or otherwise, that shows that the attorney is not of good fame, integrity and character; or
any contravention of a law that is declared by the regulations to be professional misconduct
In deciding whether to apply to the Tribunal, the Board may consider:
the professional misconduct engaged in by the attorney
the behaviour of the incorporated attorney's officers and employees
whether the officers and employees of the incorporated attorney complied with the relevant Code of Conduct in force at the time of the alleged misconduct; and
any other information provided by the incorporated attorney in relation to the professional misconduct of the attorney
The Board may request an incorporated attorney to provide information to the Board in relation to the professional misconduct.
Once the Board determines that it will commence a cancellation or suspension application in relation to an incorporated attorney, the Board must formulate reasons why it considers the incorporated attorney's registration should be cancelled or suspended.
An application for cancellation or suspension of an incorporated attorney's registration (application) must be made in writing to the Tribunal and must set out the reasons for the application.
A copy of the application must be given to the incorporated attorney by the Board as soon as practicable after the application is made to the Tribunal.
The below universities deliver courses that are accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys (PSB) or the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (the Board). However, not all of these tertiary institutions offer courses for every topic group required for registration as a patent attorney or a trade marks attorney.
The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Some tertiary institutions provide distance delivery of courses as intensive learning or by the more traditional distance learning in some subjects. You will need to talk to the tertiary institutions about their individual courses and requirements.
You should contact your chosen accredited institution early to enrol in appropriate courses through the institution's normal enrolment process.
The Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (the Board) has accredited the following courses, those marked with * include updated courses with New Zealand content.
All other courses were accredited by the Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys (PSB) before the Trans-Tasman IP Attorney system came into force. The TTIPAB will continue to recognise these courses for applicants wishing to apply for knowledge requirements as a Patent attorney, as long as the study was undertaken during the period in which the University held accreditation, and subject to Patent Regulation 20.8(5).
Topic group(s)
Previous accredited courses
A1: Legal Process and
A2: Overview of IP
B: Professional Conduct
Preparing for Intellectual Property Practice [77905]*
(Accredited until 23 March 2023)
Legal Process and Intellectual Property [77896] (accredited until 1 December 2015)
Professional Conduct (IP) [77892] (accredited until
1 December 2015)
C : Trade Marks Law
Trade Marks Law [77889]*
Trade Marks Law [77889]
(Accredited until 17 June 2021)
D: Trade Marks Practice
Trade Marks Practice [77890]*
Trade Marks Practice [77890]
E: Patent Law
Patent Law [77898]*
Patent Law [77898]
F: Patent System
Patent Systems [77891]*
Patent Systems [77891]
G: Drafting of Patent Specifications
Drafting of Patent Specifications [77894]*
Drafting of Patent Specifications [77894]
H: Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications [77895]*
(Accredited until 23 March 2023)*
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications [77895]
I: Designs Law
Designs Law and Practice [77893]*
Designs Law and Practice [77893]
*NZ content included
TTIPAB Topic Group(s)
A2: Overview of IP New Zealand and Australian Intellectual Property Law [LAWS 551] *
(Accredited until 5 January 2022)
C: Trade Marks Law Trade Mark Law and Unfair Competition [LAWS 536]*
E: Patent Law Patent Law [LAWS 537]*
(Accredited until 7 July 2022)
I: Designs Law New Zealand and Australian Copyright & Designs Law [LAWS 530]*
General Introduction to Intellectual Property Law [LWN401]*
(Accredited until 21 March 2024)
C: Trade Marks Law
Trade Marks, Domain Names and Geographical Indications [LWN404]*
Trade Marks Practice [LWN409]*
(Accredited until 16 November 2023)
Patents and Biotechnological Inventions [LWN402]*
E: Patent Practice Patent System [LWN410]*
Industrial Designs and Plant Variety Protection [LWN405]
(Accredited until 27 February 2020)
A1: Legal Process
Australian Legal System [LAWS5080]
(Accredited until 1 December 2019)
Australian Legal System [LAW7212] (A1) or Legal Process and Professional Conduct Law [LAW7477] (A1 and B)
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 1 July 2016)
Intellectual Property [LAW5340]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 1 December 2019)
Intellectual Property [LAW7223]
B: Professional Conduct and
Trade Mark Practice [LAW5341]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 1 December 2019) Trade Marks Practice [LAW7224]
Trade Marks and Commercial Designations [LAW5316]
Trade Marks and Commercial Designations [LAW7075]
Protecting commercial innovation: Patents and trade Secrets [LAW5321]
Patent, Trade Secrets and Allied Rights Law [LAW7119]
Patent Practice [LAW7452]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 25 November 2016)
Patent Practice [LAW5401]
Drafting Patent Specifications [LAW7465]
Drafting Patent Specifications [LAW5405]
​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 25 November 2016)
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications [LAW7466]
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications [LAW5406]
Designs Law and Practice [LAW5346]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 13 November 2020)
Designs Law and Practice [LAW7254]
Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions [LAW7212]or Fundamentals of the Common Law [LAWS70217] or Fundamentals of the Common Law – Int [LAWS70256]
Trade Marks Practice [LAWS90035]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 26 February 2020)
Advanced Workshop in Professional Conduct for Trade Marks and Patents Attorneys] and Trade Marks Practice [LAWS70243] Accredited until 1 July 2016.
Trade Marks and Unfair Competition [LAWS70046]
Patent Law [LAWS70021]
Patent Practice [LAWS70060]
Fundamentals of Patent Drafting [LAWS70387]
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​(Accredited until 16 November 2023 )*
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications [LAWS70061]
I : Designs Law
Designs Law and Practice [LAWS70261]
Transitional provisions for registration as a patent attorney
Regulation 23.41 of the Patents Regulations 1991 (Cth) prescribes the transitional arrangement for applicants who have already passed at least one New Zealand patent attorney exam under the New Zealand Patents Regulations when the joint registration regime commenced on 24 February 2017. These candidates may continue sitting the New Zealand patent attorney exams for a further 4 years(i.e. before 24 February 2021) under the transitional provisions in the New Zealand Patents Act 2013.
Anyone applying for registration under the transitional provisions is also exempt from meeting the academic qualification requirement for registration. If all New Zealand patent attorney exam papers are passed within the four-year period, they will be deemed to satisfy the knowledge requirements under the new joint registration regime.
Candidates that have passed all of the New Zealand patent attorney exam papers must apply to be registered under the joint registration regime within six months of completing the exams.
Note that anyone relying on the transitional provisions to register under the joint registration regime is still required to provide:
An application on the approved form;
One or more statements of skill regarding the applicant’s patents-related work experience;
A declaration that the applicant has not committed an offence in the last 5 years or is subject to a sentence of imprisonment;
A declaration (by another person) of the applicant’s good fame, integrity and character; and
A declaration that the applicant satisfies the requirements mentioned in subregulation 23.41(1); and
Payment of the prescribed registration fee (AU$300) through the eServices portal.
For the avoidance of doubt, any person who has not passed at least one exam paper prior to commencement of the joint regime on 24 February 2017 will not be permitted to sit New Zealand patent attorney exams during the four-year transition period.
Anyone who fails to complete all the patent attorney exam papers within the four-year transition period may apply to the Board to cross-credit any passed exam papers for the purpose of meeting one or more of the prescribed knowledge requirements for qualifying for registration under the joint registration regime. Note that the Board is under no obligation to cross-credit any passes.
Patents Regulations 1991
Code of Conduct for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys 2013
Code of Conduct for Trans-Tasman Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys 2018
Guidelines to the Code of Conduct 2018
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