Applications to the Board

Applications are made to the Board for approval prior to seeking registration with the Designated Manager. Here's how the process works and the relevant meeting and cut off dates.

Applications to the Board

The Board is responsible for assessing initial applications prior to seeking registration as a patent and/or trade marks attorney. 

Applications include:

• academic qualifications to become a patent attorney
• exemptions from a knowledge requirement topic group
• statement of skill where one cannot be obtained from an employer.

The Board also considers:

• assessment of currency of knowledge for attorneys seeking restoration
• accreditation of courses of study 
• complaints against patent attorneys in Australia and New Zealand, and trade marks attorneys in Australia.

The Board usually meets 3 times per year to consider the applications submitted before the cut off date. 

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of all Board decisions within 15 working days of the Board meeting via email.

Meeting dates and cut off

The Board require applications to be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to a Board meeting.

Applications for Board approval can be complex and time consuming. Applicants are encouraged to start their applications early and submit them well before the cut off date. This gives the Secretariat time to conduct a preliminary review and identify any additional information you may need to provide.