IPReg has a core set of rules and regulations governing the conduct of attorneys, regulated firms and other regulated persons such as employees and managers of regulated firms. These were introduced in July 2023, with amendments to include specific complaints handling requirements in 2026. The arrangements comprise of:
- the Core Regulatory Framework, setting out the Overarching Principles, Code of Conduct and the authorisation, admission and investigation and disciplinary requirements
- the Standard Operating Procedure which sets out procedural matters in relation to authorisation and admission to the register, the disciplinary process and applying for a waiver of IPReg's Rules
- the Complaints Code of Practice, specifically governing handling first tier complaints (complaints from individual consumers and SMEs)
- the Glossary of terms
These new arrangements are accompanied by Guidance on various procedural and technical areas of IPReg’s rules.
In addition, the following rules have remained in place relating to fees, professional examinations, the conduct of litigation and advocacy and IPReg’s compensation scheme:
- Practice Fee Regulations
- Rules for the Examination and Admission of Individuals
- Rights to Conduct Litigation and Advocacy
- Compensation Arrangements Rules
IPReg's repealed rules and regulations can be viewed in the tab on the left hand side.
If IPReg receives a complaint about a regulated person's conduct, the complaint will be assessed against the rules and regulations that were in place at the time the misconduct is said to have occurred. For example, if IPReg receives a complaint in August 2023 about conduct that occurred in 2022, the regulated person will be judged against the Rules of Conduct that were in force in 2022 (i.e. the previous Rules of Conduct). However, the disciplinary procedure that will be applied will be the new procedure in force from 1 July 2023.