Fourth place: A Day in the Life of an IP Examiner
Transcript
Many people don’t really know what working in the field of intellectual property means. They often think that examiners just sit with piles of papers and documents.
But that’s a myth.
In reality, IP examiners are the ones behind the protection of ideas, brands, and innovations. They help businesses stay competitive and support countries in growing through new products and technologies.
I am Aruzhan Ulkhanova, and I’ve been working in intellectual property for 5 years.
In 2023, I became the head of the IPR Center, and in 2025 I became the Head of the Division of Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin at the Patent Office of Kazakhstan. And today, I want to show you what my working day looks like.
The first thing I do is review and sign off on examiners’ conclusions – it’s always exciting, because you get to see real applications and the products that are seeking protection.
Throughout the day, I host webinars for stakeholders to explain what geographical indications and appellations of origin are, and how they help build value and trust in products.
I support examiners when they face complex examination questions.
I hold meetings with my team, where we discuss interesting applications, plans, and upcoming tasks.
I also take part in roundtables and meetings with entrepreneurs – where we explore how intellectual property can help develop businesses and strengthen the reputation of Kazakhstan’s products on the global market.
I provide consultations to applicants on registration issues, so they can properly and effectively protect their products.
And of course, I have working meetings with colleagues, where we discuss the latest news and trends in intellectual property in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Intellectual property is all around us – in every product, every idea, every innovation. And it is the examiners who turn this into a protected asset that impacts the economy, culture, and the future of entire nations.
That’s why being an IP examiner is not just about reviewing applications – it’s about being part of a larger, vital system that drives progress forward.
Many people don’t really know what working in the field of intellectual property means. They often think that examiners just sit with piles of papers and documents.
But that’s a myth.
In reality, IP examiners are the ones behind the protection of ideas, brands, and innovations. They help businesses stay competitive and support countries in growing through new products and technologies.
I am Aruzhan Ulkhanova, and I’ve been working in intellectual property for 5 years.
In 2023, I became the head of the IPR Center, and in 2025 I became the Head of the Division of Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin at the Patent Office of Kazakhstan. And today, I want to show you what my working day looks like.
The first thing I do is review and sign off on examiners’ conclusions – it’s always exciting, because you get to see real applications and the products that are seeking protection.
Throughout the day, I host webinars for stakeholders to explain what geographical indications and appellations of origin are, and how they help build value and trust in products.
I support examiners when they face complex examination questions.
I hold meetings with my team, where we discuss interesting applications, plans, and upcoming tasks.
I also take part in roundtables and meetings with entrepreneurs – where we explore how intellectual property can help develop businesses and strengthen the reputation of Kazakhstan’s products on the global market.
I provide consultations to applicants on registration issues, so they can properly and effectively protect their products.
And of course, I have working meetings with colleagues, where we discuss the latest news and trends in intellectual property in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Intellectual property is all around us – in every product, every idea, every innovation. And it is the examiners who turn this into a protected asset that impacts the economy, culture, and the future of entire nations.
That’s why being an IP examiner is not just about reviewing applications – it’s about being part of a larger, vital system that drives progress forward.
22. September 2025