We are pleased to announce that COPCAS® has now been formally registered as a trademark. This marks an important milestone for The Pearl and reinforces COPCAS® as a distinct, recognised programme for capacity building and training linked to the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) process.
What is COPCAS®?
COPCAS® (COP Climate Action Studio) is a training and capacity‑building programme developed by The Pearl to support students, early‑career researchers, and practitioners engaging with climate policy, negotiations, and action in the context of the UNFCCC COPs.
Delivered through workshops, collaborative studios, and applied learning activities, COPCAS equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to:
- Understand climate negotiations and policy processes
- Engage critically with climate action pathways
- Translate research and expertise into policy‑relevant insights
- Build interdisciplinary and cross‑sector collaboration skills
The programme has been delivered in collaboration with UK universities and partners, supporting meaningful engagement with COP‑related processes and outcomes. More information about the programme is available on the COPCAS course page.
What does trademark registration mean?
Registering COPCAS® as a trademark formally recognises the programme name as intellectual property associated with The Pearl, University of Reading. This provides clarity and consistency in how the programme is referenced and protects the identity of COPCAS as it continues to grow.
In practice, this means that:
- COPCAS should be referred to using its correct name and formatting, particularly in public‑facing materials
- The trademark distinguishes COPCAS from other training or capacity‑building initiatives in the climate space
- The Pearl, University of Reading, can ensure the programme’s purpose, quality, and values are clearly represented when delivered or referenced by partners
Trademark registration does not change how participants engage with COPCAS, but it does help safeguard the programme’s reputation and long‑term development.
What this means for The Pearl and our partners
For The Pearl and the University of Reading, the COPCAS trademark reinforces our commitment to high‑quality, impactful training that supports climate action and policy engagement. It also helps ensure that future uses of the COPCAS name accurately reflect the programme’s aims and approach.
Partners and collaborators are welcome to continue referencing COPCAS in relation to delivery, participation, or collaboration, using agreed wording that acknowledges The Pearl in the University of Reading as the programme’s home.
Looking ahead
As COPCAS continues to evolve, trademark registration provides a strong foundation for future delivery, partnerships, and innovation. We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding the programme’s reach and impact in support of effective climate action.