Connecting the next generation of IP professionals worldwide

In 2026, FICPI relaunches its Trainee Exchange Programme, revitalised to give the next generation of IP professionals real international experience.

Led by the FICPI Academy and its President, Essenese Obhan, alongside Secretary General, Sharon Crane, the programme reflects FICPI’s shared commitment to supporting the next generation of independent IP attorneys.

Essenese Obhan describes the programme as “a powerful way to invest in the next generation of IP professionals”, highlighting its role in knowledge‑sharing across jurisdictions and fostering mutual understanding. Emphasising, “The programme supports FICPI’s broader goal of strengthening the global IP community through collaboration and shared best practices.”

Sharon Crane adds, “The Trainee Exchange Programme (TEP) will facilitate the exchange of attorneys across borders and is intended not only to provide the trainee with IP experience in another jurisdiction, but also to enhance relationships amongst FICPI member firms and national/regional associations and sections. The Programme is open to any firm with FICPI members, is not restricted to trainees of any particular age or experience, and reciprocal “exchange” is not required. The parties to the exchange will tailor the experience to achieve their mutual goals.”

The relaunch follows ongoing discussions since the FICPI Open Forum in London in October 2023 and a questionnaire to FICPI members.

Member firms across the world responded positively to the survey, with confirmed interest from member firms across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, both in sending and hosting trainees.

The Academy has now finalised a set of guidelines for the exchange, as well as a platform for connecting member firms interested in the exchange.

FICPI President, Elia Sugrañes, explains, “FICPI is making great strides to bring younger members into the profession, from every continent. The FICPI Trainee Exchange Programme complements our Younger Members initiative, discounts for younger members at our headline events, and mentoring of younger members through committees and speaking opportunities.”

The opportunity

Through this unique experience, trainees can:
• Immerse themselves in a different culture
• Expand their understanding of a new jurisdiction
• Build an international professional network
• Gain exposure to new firm practices and perspectives.

Beyond technical knowledge, the programme offers trainees a rare opportunity to develop a truly international perspective early in their careers.

Benefits for firms

Participating firms benefit as their young employees develop new skills, broader perspectives, greater confidence and valuable professional contacts. This strengthens both individual development and the firm’s international outlook.

Eligibility

Candidate trainees should have at least basic knowledge or experience of IP in their field (patents, trade marks, designs, etc.) in their home jurisdiction.

For patent trainees, we recommend that candidates have successfully completed an internationally-recognised patent drafting course, such as the FICPI-WIPO International Patent Drafting Programme or FICPI’s SEAD patent drafting course.

Practical arrangements

Placement durations are flexible, with a recommended minimum of two months.

Trainees (or their regular employers) are responsible for their travel to the host country and living costs during the placement. The host firm will provide a suitable workstation, computer equipment, and related facilities.

FICPI provides member-only Discussion Pages to facilitate communication between potential participant trainees and firms.

FICPI’s view

FICPI uniquely combines education and advocacy on topics around patents and trade marks, with a focus on developing the professional excellence of its individual members. Developing younger members and those from developing countries and regions is a tenet of FICPI’s governing statutes and helps to enrich the IP framework worldwide, as well as individual IP attorneys and firms.

Next steps

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FICPI is the only international NGO whose membership consists exclusively of IP attorneys in private practice. As a result, the FICPI community is driven by a shared interest to promote solutions and advocacy for private IP practitioners.
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