BIA submission to the IPReg consultation on pro bono advice

The BIA has submitted views to the IPReg consultation on remooving restrictions on in-house patent attorneys providing pro bono advice. 

In our submission we:

  • Welcomed the proposals to allow in-house patent and trademark attorneys to provide pro bono advice
  • Said that in-house attorneys have a lot of commercial experience that would be beneficial to those receiving pro bono advice
  • Argued that the lack of personal indemnity insurance (PII) for most in-house practitioners would prevent them from providing advice even if the rules were changed
  • Called on IPREG to support the identification of solutions to allow such members to obtain PII coverage in a cost-effective manner and contribute to such initiatives

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