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.
What is a trade mark?
Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.
Getting a trade mark
How can you get a trade mark - we take you through the process step-by-step.
Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.
For the IP profession:
CITMA blog
Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property.
Celebrating 150 years of UK trade marks
This year marks 150 years since the establishment of the UK’s Trade Mark Registry and the first grant of a registered trade mark.
Festive flavours and family traditions: How food and drink brands make Christmas memorable
This holiday season, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Craig Beaumont reflects on iconic food and drink campaigns and reveals the IP secrets behind their success.
The changing face of MTV: What brands can learn from a cultural icon
When MTV (Music Television) launched in 1981, it revolutionised the way the world experiences music, ushering in an era where music videos became central to pop culture.
TV that tours: Building IP packages for global formats
With the ever-increasing appetite for content, paired with the rise in user-generated-content sites like YouTube and TikTok, the market for TV formats has become truly global.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Dig deep to protect your rights
Legal dangers may lurk in online portals, as an Italian potato grower discovered, writes Nicola Ivey. C-426/24 P, Romagnoli Fratelli SpA v Community Plant Variety Office, CJEU.
Brought to heel
The EUIPO upheld Dr Martens’ position marks in a pair of cases, writes Edward Watt. 000066484/000066396, Mtng Europe Experience, SLU v Airwair International Ltd, EUIPO Cancellation Division.
Don't lose count
Much is at stake if a company fails to file its claim in reasonable time, writes Eleni Mezulanik. C-452/24, Lunapark Scandinavia Oy Ltd v Hardeco Finland Oy, CJEU.
Beyond borders
Deniz Toker on cross-border IP: when stocking in Spain becomes infringement in Germany. C-76/24, Tradeinn Retail Services SL v PH, CJEU.
News
Read the latest news and features.
Important changes to the Nice Classification system
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has published its 13th edition of the Nice Classification, introducing changes affecting new trade mark filings from 1st January 2026.
Call for views on judicial salary structure
The Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) has launched a call for evidence as part of its major review of the judicial salary structure across the UK.
EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão to keynote our Spring Conference
We're delighted to announce that João Negrão, Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), will deliver the keynote address at our Spring Conference 2026.
Cast your vote: What's the UK's most iconic trade mark?
The Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has launched a poll inviting the public to vote for the UK's most iconic trade mark as part of celebrations marking 150 years since the country's first trade mark registration.