Welcome to CITMA

Founded in 1934, chartered in 2016, The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) is a professional membership organisation with the power to shape law and practice - nationally and internationally. Find out more

What is a trade mark?  

Find out how a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney will help you to navigate intellectual property law.

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What is a trade mark?

Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.

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Getting a trade mark

How can you get a trade mark - we take you through the process step-by-step.

Summer reception 2016

Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney

Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.

For the IP profession: 

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CITMA blog

Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property. 

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Back to brand school: Is your IP ready for a new season?

As pupils across the UK ready themselves for the new school year, discover the steps you can take to prepare your brand for a new season.

28th Aug 2025 | Blog
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Trade marks and festivals: Protecting culture, commerce, and creativity

Festivals in the UK are much more than seasonal gatherings – they are cultural cornerstones, economic drivers, and global attractions.

29th Jul 2025 | Blog
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The day TfL did not mind the gap

What happens when a famous transport slogan collides with a global fashion brand? TfL and Gap clash in a battle over iconic branding rights.

26th Jun 2025 | Blog
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Adidas thought three was a magic number; they were in ‘four’ a shock

Thom Browne and Adidas: two global names in the fashion world who are rarely mentioned in the same conversations, unless you are in the world of IP.

28th May 2025 | Blog
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Upcoming events

Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.

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IP Inclusive - Suicide prevention day webinar

8th Sep 2025 | IP Inclusive
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CITMA Webinar - Policy and practice updates from the UK IPO

9th Sep 2025 | Webinar
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IP Inclusive - Marketing tips for neurodivergent and/or caregiving IP professionals

9th Sep 2025 | IP Inclusive
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CITMA Lecture - Glasgow - Scottish IPO disputes and Court of Session appeals

10th Sep 2025 | 1-hour lecture
More Events

Case comments

 Read analysis from recent trade mark cases. 

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Threaten at your peril!

This judgment identified a crystal-clear motive, says Carl Steele. [2025] EWHC 1239 (Ch), Bargain Busting Ltd v Shenzhen SKE Technology Co Ltd & Ors, High Court.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Unpicking the label

Designers forfeit certain rights when assigning patronymic trade marks, but new owners should not push the boundaries too far, says Shaun Anderson. C-168/24 – Opinion, PMJC SAS v [W] [X], [M] [X], [X] Créative SAS.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Legacy agreements in the internet age

Territorial rights remain enforceable online, says Sobia Ramzan. [2025] EWCA Civ 343, Merck KGaA v Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC & Anor, Court of Appeal.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Game on

Ultimately, there was no likelihood of confusion, writes Milena Velikova. T-242/24, Versiontech, Inc v EUIPO – Verizon Trademark Services LLC, General Court.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
More case comments

News

Read the latest news and features. 

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Law and practice snippets: August 2025

An update on recent practice points by our Law and Practice Committee, including a new international design law treaty, scam emails and use of AI.

12th Aug 2025 | News
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CITMA Mentoring receives further recognition

We are proud to share that CITMA Mentoring has been shortlisted for Best Learning / Professional Development Programme at the Association Excellence Awards 2025.

8th Aug 2025 | News
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New CITMA Review editor appointed

We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new editor for our award-winning member publication, CITMA Review.

4th Aug 2025 | News
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Save 30% on handbooks in Sweet & Maxwell summer sale

Members can secure significant savings on our authoritative trade mark and design handbooks until 12th September 2025.

4th Aug 2025 | News
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