The professional body of Chartered Patent Attorneys. The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) is the professional and examining body for patent attorneys in the United Kingdom. The Institute was founded in 1882 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1891. It represents all the chartered patent attorneys in the United Kingdom, whether they practise in industry or in private practice. Total membership is over 3600 and includes trainee patent attorneys and other professionals with an interest in intellectual property matters.