About Us

The Federal Association of German Patent Attorneys is a voluntary association of patent attorneys.  It was founded in 1974 with the goal of fostering and advancing the professional and business interests of the patent attorney profession.  Next to the Patent Attorney Bar Association, the Federal Association is the second national organisation representing the interests of the patent attorney profession.

As set forth in its constitution, the Federal Association offers both patent attorneys and patent attorney candidates the same opportunity to become a member.

The activities of the Federal Association are multifaceted.  A few of the main areas of interest are:

• Submission of opinion papers on proposed national and international laws, as well as participation in hearings, in particular at the Federal Ministry of Justice, the German Patent and Trademark Office, the European Patent Office and the European Commission.
• Personal exchange of opinions and maintenance of good working relationships with elected officials and representatives of the ministries, courts and administrative agencies, such as the German and European patent and trademark offices, as well as legal societies and associations.  The traditional "Parliamentary Evening" in Berlin serves this purpose, among others. 
• "The Seminar" as a continuing education opportunity.  This event takes place once a year and is held in a different city each time.  "The Seminar" offers the possibility to get to know the host city better as well as to increase one's knowledge of a current topic relating to the practice of patent law.
• Recognition of the business interests of its members, among other things, as the underwriter of group insurance policies.  This way, members have the possibility to take out, for example, health, endowment and pension insurance policies for family members or employees under advantageous conditions.

Organisation

The bases for the activities of the Federal Association of German Patent Attorneys are set forth in its constitution.  Under the constitution, the assembly of delegates and the executive board constitute the organs of the Federal Association.

The members of the Federal Association are regionally organised according to a representative principle.  Every region selects a number of delegates, the number being dependant upon the number of patent attorneys having their principal place of business in the region.  The composition of the regions is based on the division of Germany into federal states.  The assembly of delegates, in which all members may participate, convenes one or twice a year, and is in particular responsible for the election and supervision of the executive board.  The assembly can also form committees and elects their members.

Goals

The Federal Association of German Patent Attorneys is committed to furthering the professional interests of patent attorneys and to maintaining and strengthening their legal role as an independent body devoted to the administration of justice.

The Federal Association lives from the active participation and engagement of its members.  Every member is encouraged to become involved in the development and implementation of their own ideas.

In order to remain a strong representative for the interests of patent attorneys in the future, the Federal Association needs the support of as many patent attorneys as possible.