Training and Education commission
 

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Many students, particularly from countries with new and developing patent systems would benefit from work experience in an established firm of patent attorneys in another country. Not only would students be able to learn the law and how the patent system works in that country, but would have exposure to office systems. In particular, students would benefit from being exposed to the patent specification drafting process.

Firms employing the students would benefit from the broader range of professional contacts that would undoubtedly follow.

FICPI has now initiated a scheme under which it will assist in the placement of students in appropriate firms.

Initially the scheme will be trialled as an extension of the SEAD project, but the schemes are independent initiatives.

 

HOST REGISTER

FICPI will maintain a register of firms and corporations prepared to accept one or more students. This register will include the following information:

  1. The location of the firm
    1. country
    2. city
  2. The working language
  3. The number of qualified attorneys
  4. The number of support staff
  5. The technical expertise available in the firm
  6. The in-house training and education undertaken
  7. Preferred months, if any
  8. Non-acceptable months, if any
  9. Name of person in firm who would manage the student's progress.

 

STUDENT REGISTER

FICPI will also maintain a register of students wanting to enter the scheme which will include the usual curriculum vitae details and also list the following:

  1. Patent training courses passed
  2. Training in the profession
  3. Employment in the profession
  4. Language skills
  5. Training need
  6. Country/city preferred (preferences can be listed)

 

TERM

The term of a placement is flexible but a period of three (3) months is recommended.

 

FINANCIAL

Students or their employers must meet their own cost of travel to the host country and living costs in the host country. The host firm will provide a nominal daily travel allowance to cover incidentals, such as daily travel and lunch. The host firm will also provide the necessary workstation, equipment and the like.

 

TRAINING

A list of training objectives, as detailed below, has been prepared by FICPI to guide the firm in its obligation to the students. For example, the host firm should allow the student to accompany an attorney at client interviews, hearings and the like. The student should work with an attorney in the prosecution of applications before the Patent Office and in drafting patent specifications. Students should also be allowed a short time working with the administration of the firm.

 

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

Ability

The student will have:

  • a basic knowledge of the patent system
  • been assessed as being capable of drafting a patent specification in a straightforward case
  • been working in the area and presumed to understand the role of a Patent Attorney
  • competence in the language of the host
  • a definite desire to learn patent attorney skills
However, the student may not have:
  • specific knowledge of the patent system of the host country
  • knowledge of the systems for docketing
  • experience in handling clients' affairs

General Objectives

At the end of three (3) months, the student should have experienced the range of work and requirements of a Patent Attorney's office and understand what a Patent Attorney does.

Specific Objectives

The student should experience with the host attorney:

  • attending client interviews
  • drafting advice on (a) patentability, (b) infringement
  • searching
  • drafting patent specifications
  • prosecution of patent applications
  • attended Patent Office hearings/interviews
  • exposure to opposition/re-examination files
  • attending an appeal hearing
  • time in systems management and docketing
  • worked with more than one professional
  • attended in-house information and training, where available

 

 

Last updated: June 1, 2006