Registering as a dual trade marks and patent attorney lets you enter a profession of trusted IP experts with high ethical standards.

What is dual registration?

Registering as both a trade marks and patent attorney, known as dual registration, gives you access to all the benefits of both qualifications.

Because both types of attorneys are regulated by the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board, obtaining and maintaining both qualifications together is streamlined.

Benefits of dual registration

Dual registration allows you to advertise yourself to the public, clients and potential clients as an expert in both trade marks and patents.

Many of the registration requirements for trade marks and patent attorneys are similar. 

Benefits of trade marks attorney registration

Benefits of patent attorney registration

Am I eligible for dual registration?

To be eligible, you need to meet the requirements for each qualification:

• You can work towards both qualifications at the same time, as many of the requirements are similar.
• Accredited courses for topic groups A-D are suitable for both; you only have to study them once.

Requirements for registration as a patent attorney are more demanding, requiring a relevant science or technology qualification, additional IP knowledge and two years’ experience doing patents work in Australia and/or New Zealand.

Trade marks eligibility requirements

Patents eligibility requirements

How much does it cost?

To become a dual registered attorney, you need to pay the registration fees for both qualifications.

To maintain a dual registration, you need to pay an annual combined renewal fee of $600 (compared to $400 for a single qualification renewal).

How to apply

You need to complete all 3 steps for each qualification.

-Qualifications

-Knowledge Requirements

-Registration

You can apply for each qualification separately or apply for both at the same time.

How to apply for trade marks attorney registration

How to apply for patent attorney registration