Overview
Paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as allowed by government legislation, or provide paralegal services on contract to law firms or other establishments. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property matters. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Justices of the peace are employed by federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial courts. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, trademark development and search firms or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Trademark agents
Advise clients on intellectual property matters and represent clients before the Registrar of Trade-Marks on matters including prosecution of applications for registration of trademarks
Advise on the registrability of trademarks, trademark licensing requirements, transfer of intellectual property and protection of existing trademark rights
Represent clients at proceedings before the Trade Marks Opposition Board and in related proceedings
May represent clients internationally in consultation with foreign associates and attorneys.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$47,294
$70,824
$90,669
Usual Hours Worked Weekly: 34.32
Job openings
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British Columbia
836expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
To be licensed, trademark agents are required to work in the area of trademark law, including the preparation and prosecution of trademark applications for registration, for two years and to successfully complete the examination conducted jointly by the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and the Registrar of Trade-Marks, Canadian Intellectual Property Office or either one of the above and to be a lawyer entitled to practise in Canada.
Trademark agents require registration with the federal Trade-Mark Office.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Trademark agents in B.C.
- Qualification (Bar) Exam through the Law Society of British Columbia - Trademark Agents
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Trademark agents in B.C.
- Certification through the College of Patent Agents & Trademark Agents
Qualification (Bar) Exam through the Law Society of British Columbia - Trademark Agents
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
Following completion of a Juris Doctor program, articling period at law firm, and the Law Society BC Professional Legal Training Course, you can take the Qualification Examinations to gain admission to the B.C. Bar and begin practicing as a lawyer.
Certification through the College of Patent Agents & Trademark Agents
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a trademark agent in B.C., you may choose to earn certification through the College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of: a 24-month training requirement, an agent training course, and qualifying examinations.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.