IPREG

Question 1

Competence

Answer 1

Would the client be better served by another person considering:
* circumstances of the work
* nature of your practice
* your ability, experience and seniority
* your relationship with the client

Question 2

Integrity

Answer 2

At all times act with integrity putting the clients’ interests foremost subject to the law and overriding duties to Court or Tribunal
practise competently, promptly, conscientiously, courteously, honestly and
objectively, avoiding unnecessary expense to the client
act so as to promote confidence in the intellectual property system
not compromise independence, dignity, freedom of clients to instruct any person or firm or change representation, cooperate with new representative and ensure clients interests are protected on any change of responsibility

Question 3

Client Care

Answer 3

Timely manner
Proper regard for standards of professional service and client care

Question 4

Conflicts

Answer 4

Must not act where your interests conflict with (former) client
or where he knows or has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the interests of any person of the firm conflict with (former) client
Consent in writing is required to act for client against former client
Must refuse to act for (potentially) conflicting parties in contentious matters

Question 5

Confidentiality

Answer 5

Keep affairs of (former) clients confidential except where required by law
Disclose all information relevant to the client’s interests to the client (subject to confidentiality)
Conflicts also risk breach of confidentiality, informed consent is required from both

Question 6

Relationships with others

Answer 6

Do not communicate directly with other parties regarding their matters except [OR]:
* to request details of the party’s professional advisor
* where it would be reasonable to conclude their advisor has refused or failed to pass messages, and has been warned of intent to contact
* with advisors consent
* in exceptional circumstances

Question 7

Fees

Answer 7

Fees must be justifiable

Question 8

Finances

Answer 8

Professional finances must be managed appropriately, comply with all legislation pertaining to “money laundering” and “proceeds of crime”

Question 9

Complaints

Answer 9

Must have an established procedure for dealing with complaints

Question 10

Publicity

Answer 10

must indicate “regulated by IPReg”