tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post7034163007278447578..comments2024-03-28T11:16:43.146+00:00Comments on The IPKat: The Patent Examination Board (PEB) releases further information on the 2020 UK patent examsVerónica Rodríguez Arguijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05763207846940036921noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-63749087680876298042020-07-14T13:39:31.417+01:002020-07-14T13:39:31.417+01:00I would also like to say that my eyes really hurt ...I would also like to say that my eyes really hurt after the FD1 practice and over the next morning. Perhaps its the requirement to be continuously in focus/concentration mode for the full 4 hours. I can't imagine what it would be like to do all 4 exams. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-85792044241043487302020-07-14T13:35:49.267+01:002020-07-14T13:35:49.267+01:00I did the FD1 paper over the weekend and want to s...I did the FD1 paper over the weekend and want to share my experiences. I tried to do this in the 4 hour slot. <br /><br />Firstly, printing the paper took longer than anticipated. I've got quite a slow printer and so it took around 10-15 minutes to print. Towards the end of the 4 hours, I realised that the last page wasn't printed off and so ended up having to print the last page. Overall, I think 15 minutes were taken off from the 4 hours just on printing. <br /><br />I then did the exam and typed online. I would say that screen time is an issue/concern. The first 4/5 questions went well but I noticed a big drop in performance for the next few questions, especially 4 Part B. I had to take regular breaks but given the time pressures of the exam, this would not be possible as it currently is. Reading the questions online did not help and I think the spaces between the lines could do with more spacing. I did do most of the reading on paper and this was ok. I do suffer from migraines so this may be a contributing factor but I take regular breaks away from the screen at work. <br /><br />I also found doing timelines on computer a nightmare and totally impossible to do. I resulted to doing it on paper and I hope we are allowed to have spare paper to scribble on. <br /><br />Overall, the online experience is good but screen time is an issue and the 4 hour time period to complete the exam is not sufficient at least for FD1. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-23715340683997795052020-07-13T10:49:51.892+01:002020-07-13T10:49:51.892+01:00When are we going to get further clarity from the ...When are we going to get further clarity from the PEB regarding this year's exams? We need to know so that we can decide whether to sign up for them or not. They are not responding to queries but are instead directing to the website, which has no further answers. This is all so frustrating! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-68497036143243537982020-07-10T14:44:56.543+01:002020-07-10T14:44:56.543+01:00I think for all 4 PEB exams - it will be difficult...I think for all 4 PEB exams - it will be difficult to expect candidates to continously stare at computer screen and typing answers. There really needs to be additional breaks or the exam content needs to be reduced to accommodate for breaks within the allocated time.<br /><br />I understand that screen time is also a problem with the EPO computer pilot scheme and perhaps this is why they haven't fully rolled this across the whole EQE. <br /><br />Online exams are generally a good thing but I agree that both PEB and EQE exams cannot continue in its current format as we move towards online.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-60096050721899743972020-07-08T14:51:22.437+01:002020-07-08T14:51:22.437+01:00Thta's why the gov't allowed all the shops...Thta's why the gov't allowed all the shops and restaurants to open then; because they are "essential".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-44816198158394096122020-07-06T18:22:42.598+01:002020-07-06T18:22:42.598+01:00It does seem a bit ridiculous, asking a doctor to ...It does seem a bit ridiculous, asking a doctor to write me a note basically confirming the HSE guidelines. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-74698185138510782542020-07-06T15:20:19.701+01:002020-07-06T15:20:19.701+01:00Totally agree. I get a large headache from looking...Totally agree. I get a large headache from looking at a screen. Do I need to submit medical evidence in order to take a small break on the hour every hour? It is not clear what the PEB requires or how it will operate this year. I am loathe to trouble the NHS in these busy times- they have far greater things to focus on then granting a note in order to ensure that this exam complies with standard practice on screen use.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-31393531060906961832020-07-06T10:47:08.200+01:002020-07-06T10:47:08.200+01:00I'm sorry but this comment makes no sense. On ...I'm sorry but this comment makes no sense. On the contrary, now that the exams are going to be held online, it's all the more reason to make them open book. It will make life easier for candidates and invigilators. Unless you are seriously suggesting candidates take the webcam into the toilets or are okay with mid-exam interruptions for period sweeps of the room. It's madness not to make them open book it they are going to be online.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-42221181826303438532020-07-06T09:56:50.166+01:002020-07-06T09:56:50.166+01:00I too am in a similar position to the above. I did...I too am in a similar position to the above. I did a past paper yesterday and my eyes are on fire. I had to hold a cold face cloth over one eye afterwards because it hurt. <br /><br />In order to request handwriting of scripts (i.e. to return to what was acceptable last year) you need medical evidence. This needs to be paid for by myself and it needs to be ready by 31st Aug. <br /><br />It would just be useful if PEB confirm the arrangements, or at least their intention with FD4, because at least then i wont feel like im wasting my own money getting medical evidence. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-11775496976693825462020-07-05T19:57:00.672+01:002020-07-05T19:57:00.672+01:00I'm involved in training my firms trainees for...I'm involved in training my firms trainees for FD4. I've done this for a few years, and I've sat FD4 relatively recently (in the 5 Hour era). This post is specific to FD4, I cannot comment on other exams with shorter questions like FD1.<br /><br />I think the use of online exams is good by the PEB, at least this avoids exams being cancelled. But the idea that FD4 can be the same format, just using a computer is ridiculous. <br /><br />Our trainees have always had a print out of the paper, and all type their answers up on word. All of them use a monitor greater than 21.5 Inches (so not a small screen). After the first few papers an unusual number of people were not completing the paper. So I decided to sit the latest paper to time using the PC/Printed paper mix.<br /><br />What is being asked of people is ridiculous if the format is being kept the same. <br /><br />Firstly, it is slower. I'm not sure why, but it is about 20% slower than writing alone. <br /><br />Secondly, the strain being put on peoples eyes is dangerous. I'm not sure if this paper/PC combo is being championed or whether the PEB want people to read documents on the computer. But the eye strain, constantly changing focus every 30 seconds for near on 4 hours (1 hour reading) leaves eyes incredibly sore. I finished the past paper at 1 in the afternoon and my eyes were in pain all night, to the point where i couldn't look at another screen and had to go to bed straight after dinner. <br /><br />Something that is not being considered is wrist pain as well. My set-up is health and safety compliant. I'm a gamer with a back problem so i've spent alot of money on ergonomic chairs, screen correct height etc. But fingers and wrists start to hurt after about 2 hours of near constant typing. This isn't sensible. <br /><br />We are now at the point in time where people have to submit extenuating circumstances. It is not unreasonable to want extra time becuase starring at a screen for 5 hours isnt healthy or safe. When some of the trainess have asked about whether the format is staying the same they just get a blanket reply from the PEB about how they are not answering any questions. So what next? Should we recommend they get a doctors note saying they need more time because this isnt sensible? Will this all be a waste of time because the format is changing? Will they be told anything? Being proactive with comms about the big exams would really help at this time. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-3157971595538288222020-07-03T13:58:02.440+01:002020-07-03T13:58:02.440+01:00I am a CIPA Fellow. I'm not involved in PEB.
1...I am a CIPA Fellow. I'm not involved in PEB.<br />1. What seems clear from the responses above is that a workplace setting suits some people, home suits others. PEB has provided both options. Consider the pros and cons of each, and take your pick.<br />2. Desk size / noise. This is not a new challenge caused by online exams, traditional exam halls also have cramped desks and noise from nearby candidates. Noise can be mitigated by buying quieter keyboards, they are not hugely expensive. <br />3. For those based away from the exam centres, the proposed arrangements overcome the disadvantages of being tired from travel, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed and the unpredictability of noise levels in hotels. For those living close to exam centres, you might not be aware of how much these factors can affect performance. So, the proposed arrangements might level the playing field for candidates.<br />4. Change is difficult. I do not envy this year's candidates. However, the options are clear: sit the exam this year or wait until next year. Most patent attorneys fail one or more exams. For many of them, it's their first failure, and they soon realise that it is not a disaster, more an inconvenience or slight dent to pride. I accept that it is annoying to have to commit even more personal time to study for the resit(s). <br />5. As Sarah Boxall requests, please submit constructive feedback. From my own view: bashing the PEB is not helpful - they are trying to achieve a very difficult thing. They won't achieve perfection. Also, remember that Person A's idea of perfection probably looks rather different to Person B's idea of perfection ... and PEB is trying to create a solution that works for hundreds of candidates. It seems that PEB is still working on the solution, which makes it understandable that they cannot provide all details yet.<br />6. I wish everyone success with preparing for and sitting the exams - I appreciate that it is even more challenging than in previous years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-773000382927315352020-07-02T19:26:35.016+01:002020-07-02T19:26:35.016+01:00Since many in the profession are working from home...Since many in the profession are working from home, some - mainly those who have rented a place e. g. in London have actually moved quite far away from the where the firm is based to work from home.<br /><br />I'm not against taking the exam in an office setting but taking the exam at home would be much better in order to avoid travelling unnecessarily, especially on public transport in places cities like London. Off course, everyone wants the exams to be fair and I believe no one wants to cheat. The consequences of doing so is clear from PEB announcement. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-35175438911441622102020-07-02T19:13:13.135+01:002020-07-02T19:13:13.135+01:00It needs to be done in an office room on their own...It needs to be done in an office room on their own otherwise noise from computer typing or other interferences will play a part. They are going to need plenty of space and most meeting rooms are not set up to hold 4 or 5 individual big desks (sufficient for a computer and keyboard and space for papers) well spaced apart. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-69988797776081335572020-07-02T19:06:56.679+01:002020-07-02T19:06:56.679+01:00Online examination is definitely a welcome step. H...Online examination is definitely a welcome step. Having the exams open book is probably better to discuss for future exams rather than making too many changes now. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-33279518054815995052020-07-02T13:20:45.966+01:002020-07-02T13:20:45.966+01:00Why do I get the feeling that Anonymous, Wednesday...Why do I get the feeling that Anonymous, Wednesday, 1 July 2020 at 15:23:00 BST, will never get a reply to their question? You would think that an examining body would feel obliged to issue a public statement after releasing a mark scheme that expected candidates to discuss topics that weren't on the syllabus. Not the PEB though. But let's all be nice and not make any sarcastic comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-12360154508893849782020-07-02T11:13:27.223+01:002020-07-02T11:13:27.223+01:00Disband the PEB and move it to a university. They ...Disband the PEB and move it to a university. They are set up to deal with situations like this (as has already been shown).<br /><br />Meanwhile the PEB seem to be congratulating themselves for a job well done despite not releasing any details about how this will actually work. Hope IPREG actually grow some teeth and do something (I've given up on CIPA ever doing anything with regard to the PEB, they are one and the same to me). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-54936349611688536282020-07-02T11:00:10.585+01:002020-07-02T11:00:10.585+01:00Online testing is the way forward and its such a s...Online testing is the way forward and its such a shame it took a pandemic for PEB to realise this. The EQEs have already started modernising a few years ago by having pilot computer schemes. I hope the online assessment sticks around longer after this year and its NOT just being offered for this year only. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-72949632660226339912020-07-02T10:57:37.110+01:002020-07-02T10:57:37.110+01:00There are many things wrong with PEB but I do appr...There are many things wrong with PEB but I do appreciate PEB (or at least Sarah) is trying to modernise the assessment procedure. <br /><br />By way of feedback, an exam is a very outdated method and many now are looking at regular testing or coursework options. This is very true for many other professions and other law courses too. I'm not saying exams have not got a place in future assessments but handwriting for hours is not the way to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-86745094500490499862020-07-02T10:48:52.754+01:002020-07-02T10:48:52.754+01:00As we have seen with Leicester, local lockdown can...As we have seen with Leicester, local lockdown can occur. <br /><br />Although you mentioned that it is only guidelines, going against these guidelines is immoral and irresponsible. There are bigger things than exams. <br /><br />PEB should just make it clear that exams taken at home is PREFERABLY and only essential travel into the office if there is no other way of taking it at home. <br /><br />Otherwise, we are going to get candidates (and from other firms) travelling all over the place and potentially mixing with others. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-5897350669738404402020-07-02T10:45:51.601+01:002020-07-02T10:45:51.601+01:00As a relatively small firm owner, my opinion is th...As a relatively small firm owner, my opinion is that our trainee should sit the papers here in our meeting room where we have good (and back-up) broadband. We can set-up everything they need (scanners/printers, web cams). I propose a senior member of the firm (or in-house) (eg a fellow of CIPA) should be sent the paper before the start time so they can print it out for the candidate. I suggest that their mentor within their firm should have the same duty as the candidate not to help the candidate cheat, and that this person should stand as guarantor for their behaviour during the exams. That person would then receive the papers at the end of the time and scan them in/send them off to PEB. I appreciate for people not in firms/in-house other arrangements would be necessary but I can't imagine there are many such people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-88616156550077831352020-07-02T10:40:19.535+01:002020-07-02T10:40:19.535+01:00"At the end of the day, if the situation feel..."At the end of the day, if the situation feels simply too unpleasant for you, the exams will be offered again next year."<br /><br />This comment from a Chief Examiner is disappointing and shows a complete lack of empathy. This is not a "simple" matter for candidates- many have no choice at all when to sit exams with the expectations of their firm placed heavily on them. Progression for trainees is often completely dependent on passing these exams and to suggest that a candidate will simply skip a year and the associated career progression and salary increase shows how out of touch the PEB is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-92099485713708070792020-07-02T10:39:16.828+01:002020-07-02T10:39:16.828+01:00There is no law against non-essential travel in En...There is no law against non-essential travel in England. It is a guidleine only. You would not be breaking the law going to the office to sit an exam, because there is no such law in England. The Welsh 5 mile limit is also not law. The law says "local". And, anyway, this "local" limit is due to be lifted in early July. Dont know about Scotland/NI.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-77914561982013558292020-07-01T15:23:46.328+01:002020-07-01T15:23:46.328+01:00Since you're here Sarah. Could you please expl...Since you're here Sarah. Could you please explain why half of the marks in the 2019 P6 advice section related to areas of law that are not even on the syllabus?<br /><br />Could you also explain why the PEB changed their complaints procedure so that they would not respond to anonymous complaints after this very question was raised anonymously. I know the PEB think they were being clever by doing this, but google cache had a version of the website from 3 weeks before the email and there was no mention of anonymous complaints not being responded to. So i think you changed the policy because you didn't want to answer the question... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-36214727497807848122020-07-01T15:17:47.539+01:002020-07-01T15:17:47.539+01:00Don't understand why P6 isn't just made co...Don't understand why P6 isn't just made controlled coursework. <br /><br />People sitting it in firms have that "designated person" as the invigilator, people not sitting it in work have to use the virtual invigilator. <br /><br />Receive the paper at 9, work on it when you want, rest your eyes when you want, controlled so no discussions, submit by 5 or whenever you want. I've never understood the need to rush P6. Extra time won't save a bad candidate but could help someone around 45-50 who just needs more time to think things through.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574479.post-16998925501922060832020-07-01T15:12:03.522+01:002020-07-01T15:12:03.522+01:00Look at IPREGs response to the mercer review. They...Look at IPREGs response to the mercer review. They asked PEB to be more transparent about where the exam fees go. Though that was to encourage competition amongst providers, not because it was costing trainees to much to qualify i believe. <br /><br />My guess is that the exam fees need to be high to fund raise for the £200k reserve PEB are building. Not sure why they need that amount of money when no costs are paid after they know demand (e.g. no venue is booked before they know numbers, no marking fees are paid before people have sat the exam). Must be expecting a few years on the naughty step for bad behaviour. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com