The FICPI Young Members Group continues to grow and currently comprises 36 members from around the world. The group meets online on the first Wednesday of each month at 13:00 CET, providing a platform for young practitioners to connect, exchange ideas and support one another in their professional development.
If you are a FICPI member and regard yourself as young i.e. not too much older than 40 then please contact [email protected] and we will send you a meeting invite. It is also possible for non-members to join a few of the meetings to find out if they will benefit from it and FICPI membership.
Many young members have expressed an interest in engaging with experienced FICPI members who can share their insights, experiences and perspectives on building a successful and fulfilling career in the intellectual property profession.
A new mentorship programme
To support this need, the Young Members Group is launching an informal mentorship programme.
The programme is designed to be straightforward and flexible. Mentors are asked to commit to approximately six one-hour online meetings with a mentee over a six-month period. Meetings can be arranged at times that are mutually convenient for both participants.
The specific focus of each mentoring relationship can be determined by the mentor and mentee. Topics may include:
- Personal growth, wellbeing and developing confidence
- Professional and career development
- Business development and client relationship skills
- Leadership and team management
- Building a successful practice or firm
- Involvement and growth within FICPI and the wider IP profession.
The objective is not to provide formal training, but rather to facilitate meaningful conversations and the sharing of practical experiences that can assist young professionals in navigating their careers and achieving their personal and professional goals.
If you are an experienced FICPI member and would be willing to serve as a mentor, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please express your interest by contacting [email protected].
The programme is being coordinated by Bastiaan Koster, who will facilitate the matching of mentors and mentees. By investing a small amount of time, mentors have an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the next generation of IP professionals and to strengthen the FICPI community.
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
- Another FICPI initiative for younger members is the Trainee Exchange Programme. Click to view more details.
- Click here to find out more about The FICPI Academy, FICPI’s education and training arm.
- Get involved with FICPI’s Young Members initiative, contact Bastiaan Koster on [email protected]