The patent attorney training follows a specified order of phases that build upon each other and aim to prepare the candidates for this highly demanding profession. To be admitted to the training, a candidate must have a university degree in natural sciences or engineering and have at least one year of practical work experience in a technical job.

The patent attorney training consists of three phases:

First training phase: the first phase starts after the DPMA has admitted a candidate to the training and lasts at least 26 months. During this stage, the patent attorney candidates work in a patent law firm or in the patent department of a company to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the profession’s demands. At the same time, they also participate in regional study groups that are organised by the Chamber of Patent Attorneys and led by experienced patent attorneys.

Second training phase: the second phase takes place at the DPMA for two months. To gain practical experience in the two most important IP fields and get some insight into the work of the DPMA, the patent attorney candidates are assigned to a patent as well as a trade mark division for one month each.

Third training phase: the third and final phase of the patent attorney training (six months) is spent at the Federal Patent Court. The future patent attorneys are assigned to a board of appeal for trade marks for two months and to a technical board of appeal for four months for practical training.

Alongside their training, they also need to take classes in general law – theses courses are usually taken at the FernUniversität in Hagen. This study programme serves to complete the theoretical training and as preparation for the final patent attorney examination.

The patent attorney examination is taken before an examination board for patent attorneys, which is appointed by the DPMA. It consists of the chair, at least four deputy chairs and at least 20 judges from the Federal Patent Court or members of the DPMA as well as at least 60 patent attorneys or Patentassessorinnen/Patentassessoren.

At the end of 2024, the DPMA appointed a new examination board, effective from 1 January 2025. It was the first time we acted on this responsibility, as previously this was the duty of the Federal Office of Justice. Apart from re-assigning this task, the new legislation also extended the term of appointment from three to five years. This means the new commission with chair Ingrid Kopacek, presiding judge at the Federal Patent Court, will be in office until 31 December 2029.

In 2024, the Board and the management team of the Chamber of Patent Attorneys once again met with the senior management of the DPMA to discuss important topics that affect both institutions. This year it was the DPMA’s turn to host.

In the year 2024, 110 applicants were admitted to the patent attorney training. 138 candidates participated in the patent attorney examinations, which take place three times a year. 129 of them passed the examination.

You can find more information about the patent attorney training and the patent attorney examination on the following webpages of the DPMA.