Focus: IP law accreditation

Graeme McWilliams and Mark Cruickshank of the Society’s Intellectual Property Specialist Accreditation Panel write: “At the panel’s first post-COVID in-person meeting, members reviewed the current IP specialist accreditation scheme, the application form and process, and considered any scope for improvement. While the process generally works well, we agreed to make minor updates to the application guidance and take steps to promote the IP accreditation scheme to fellow solicitors.

“There are currently 16 accredited IP law specialists on the Society’s records, of which four are in-house and 12 in private practice. For IP law, the panel are looking for evidence of knowledge and application of the law, procedures, knowledge sharing and thinking outside the box. There is more guidance available at the Society’s “Areas of specialism” web page.

“Having an IP accreditation can help improve your CV, focus your personal and professional development, raise your professional profile, and add to your promotion and recruitment prospects. We welcome applications from anyone who meets the current IP specialism criteria, and all members of the panel are happy to discuss what is involved with those who are interested in applying.”

Current panel members are Fiona Nicolson, Keystone Law; Roisin Higgins KC; Mark Cruickshank, RBS; Paul Chapman, Marks & Clerk; and Graeme McWilliams, retired in-house lawyer.