The Edward J. Maybee Award for Early-Career Professional Excellence (Emerging Patent Agent Award) is given to the most outstanding newly qualified patent agent.

Historically, this annual award was bestowed on the candidate achieving the highest mark on the qualifying examination. However, with the CPATA examinations transitioning to a pass or fail system, the award is now determined through a multi-factor assessment of professional excellence, aligning with the award’s purpose of recognizing outstanding achievement.

Award Criteria

To be eligible for this award, candidates must have successfully completed the Patent Agent Skills Examination in the preceding calendar year (e.g., for the 2026 award, candidates must have passed both Parts 1 and 2 of the Patent Agent Skills Examination by 2025, with results issued in February 2026). 

IPIC membership is not required, and candidates are not required to hold a Class 1 license at the time of application.

Eligible candidates must submit a completed application form together with:

• documentation confirming successful completion of the Patent Agent Skills Examination (e.g. confirmation email from CPATA);
• a supporting statement outlining their professional excellence and achievements as a newly qualified patent agent; and
• a reference letter from an experienced (5+ years) colleague, supervisor or mentor.

The supporting letter should be prepared by the candidate and should establish what makes them an outstanding newly qualified practitioner. The supporting letter may include a description of the candidate’s performance during the qualification process (e.g., obstacles or challenges faced, whether they passed on the first attempt), examples of demonstrated problem solving or service excellence within practice, as well as their key professional accomplishments and career progression.  It may also highlight examples of leadership within their firm or the profession, involvement in professional or community initiatives, mentorship or knowledge-sharing contributions, and any other notable achievements that reflect their excellence, character, and overall contributions.

The reference letter should explain the referee’s relationship with you and include specific examples of your work and contributions, highlighting the quality of your legal analysis, professional judgment, reliability, initiative, and leadership potential. It should also emphasize any distinguishing achievements and, if relevant, provide context about challenges you’ve faced or your growth.

Click Here to Apply

Submissions are due by June 30, 2026.  The recipient is selected by decision of the PTIEF Trustees. We encourage all eligible candidates to view the application materials and consider putting their names forward for these meaningful recognitions of professional excellence.  These awards represent an important acknowledgement of your accomplishments as you begin your career in intellectual property, and IPIC welcomes interest from all qualifying candidates.

The Foundation Award for Early-Career Professional Excellence (Emerging Trademark Agent Award) is given to the most outstanding newly qualified trademark agent.

Historically, this annual award was bestowed on the candidate achieving the highest mark on the qualifying examination. However, with the CPATA examinations transitioning to a pass or fail system, the award is now determined through a multi-factor assessment of professional excellence, aligning with the award’s purpose of recognizing outstanding achievement.

Award Criteria

To be eligible for this award, candidates must have successfully completed the Trademark Agent Skills Examination in the preceding calendar year (e.g., for the 2026 award, candidates must have passed the examination in 2025, with results issued in January 2026). 

IPIC membership is not required, and candidates are not required to hold a Class 1 license at the time of application.

Eligible candidates must submit a completed application form together with:

• documentation confirming successful completion of the Trademark Agent Skills Examination (e.g. confirmation email from CPATA);
• a supporting statement outlining their professional excellence and achievements as a newly qualified trademark agent; and
• a reference letter from an experienced (5+ years) colleague, supervisor or mentor.

The supporting letter should be prepared by the candidate and should establish what makes them an outstanding newly qualified practitioner. The supporting letter may include a description of the candidate’s performance during the qualification process (e.g., obstacles or challenges faced, whether they passed on the first attempt), examples of demonstrated problem solving or service excellence within practice, as well as their key professional accomplishments and career progression.  It may also highlight examples of leadership within their firm or the profession, involvement in professional or community initiatives, mentorship or knowledge-sharing contributions, and any other notable achievements that reflect their excellence, character, and overall contributions.

The reference letter should explain the referee’s relationship with you and include specific examples of your work and contributions, highlighting the quality of your legal analysis, professional judgment, reliability, initiative, and leadership potential. It should also emphasize any distinguishing achievements and, if relevant, provide context about challenges you’ve faced or your growth.

Click Here to Apply

Submissions are due by June 30, 2026. The recipient is selected by decision of the PTIEF Trustees. We encourage all eligible candidates to view the application materials and consider putting their names forward for these meaningful recognitions of professional excellence.  These awards represent an important acknowledgement of your accomplishments as you begin your career in intellectual property, and IPIC welcomes interest from all qualifying candidates.