One of AIDB’s objectives is to promote initiatives aimed at achieving legal recognition and protection of the profession of patent analyst and patent document specialist in Italy and the European Union. From the very beginning, a Working Group was established within the Association, coordinated by Member Luca Falciola, which drafted and finalized a proposal for a European Certification for Patent Documentalists, approved by the 2005 Members’ Assembly. Subsequently, the proposal was sent and presented to all major European patent information user groups.

With the founding of CEPIUG (Confederacy of European Patent Information User Groups)—of which AIDB is a founding member—the issue of certification has been on the agenda of all international associations dealing with patent information since 2009, and a joint effort was launched that led to the establishment of the QPIP (Qualified Patent Information Professional) and the corresponding certification process.

Between 2011 and 2012, mock exams were held in various European locations, following which the following activities are currently underway:

  • Development of a first “actual” version of the certification exam and the corresponding grading rubric
  • Definition of the organization that will manage the review and certification process
  • Drafting of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
  • Identification of training programs that are already available and/or to be developed on an ad hoc basis
  • Options for recognizing years of service for professionals working in the sector.

AIDB is actively participating in the working group that is developing the QPIP.