The following exercise is now open for application: Number of vacancies: Up to six (up to three for Trade Marks and up to three for Registered and Unregistered Design) Location: Hearings usually take place in London but appointed persons can be asked to sit elsewhere in the UK. Closing date: noon on 15 January 2015 Fees: £600 plus VAT per day Please be aware that you may apply for both posts and if selectable you may be recommended for appointment for one or both posts. The roles The main activities for both roles include:
  • reading and assimilating papers in a case before it commences;
  • deciding issues of law and procedure which may arise during a case;
  • reviewing the decision under appeal determining whether the relevant law has been applied to the facts found and (where appropriate) examining the facts from evidence presented and considering whether the decision was procedurally fair;
  • giving a reasoned decision either orally at the hearing or subsequently in writing;
  • giving directions for the conduct of cases including cases to be transferred to the High Court or referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union; and
  • assessing and making awards of costs.
The person The Appointed Persons posts are open to solicitors and barristers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, advocates or solicitors in Scotland, with five years post qualification experience (PQE) or someone who has held judicial office. Patent and Trade Mark agents registered with the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) or the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) for the relevant qualifying period, i.e. five years, who can meet all other eligibility requirements are also able to apply for these posts. Candidates MUST have knowledge of intellectual property law and experience of applying the law. Candidates should consider whether their appointment can accommodate and fulfil the requirements for avoidance of conflicts of interest as noted in the outlined job description before making an application.