In response to a large backlog of patent applications, and increased volume in patent applications each year as a result of Pakistan's new recognition of pharmaceutical product patents, Pakistan's Patent Office has hired 12 new examiners. These examiners, though junior, are computer capable and have educational backgrounds in areas including pharmaceuticals, general chemistry, and electrical engineering. CLDP facilitated the involvement of 4 of these new patent examiners in the USPTO's Global Intellectual Property Academy in October of 2005, in order to familiarize these new examiners with international IP administration standards and best practices. Also in October 2005, CLDP and USPTO organized special consultative sessions between the Pakistani examiners and senior USPTO examiners to address specific questions, and hone their understanding of electronic search tools. This group presented their experience to their colleagues at the Pakistani Patent Office upon their return, and has served as an important conduit of communication on specific needs of the Patent Office since.