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 video thumbnail.jpg

What is a trade mark?

Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.

Registered trade mark colourful background.jpg

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: 

CITMA homepage blue button - read CITMA Review.png CITMA homepage blue button - Find events.png CITMA homepage blue button - Student members hub.png CITMA homepage blue button - CITMA Paralegal hub.png

CITMA blog

Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property. 

World Cup 2026 trophy.jpg

The World Cup, Wimbledon and your business: playing by the rules this summer

As big sporting events dominate our summers, Associate Director, Leanne Gulliver unpacks a timely question: can I mention the World Cup in my marketing?

26th Jun 2026 | Blog
Rolls-Royce logo car front.jpg

What makes a trade mark iconic?

Reflecting on a recent poll from the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO), Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Mark Caddle explores what makes an iconic trade mark.

27th May 2026 | Blog
Taylow Swift Life of a Showgirl on Spotify.jpg

From showgirls to superstars: when two worlds collide

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Amelia Skelding dives into the recent dispute involving American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift and a former Las Vegas performer.

27th Apr 2026 | Blog
Oatly drinks on shelf.jpg

Before you launch: four branding checks every food and drink business should make

What can we learn from the recent Supreme Court ruling with plant-based brand, Oatly? Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Craig Beaumont dives into the key takeaways.

27th Mar 2026 | Blog
More posts

Upcoming events

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

IP Inclusive logo

IP Inclusive - Addressing pay inequality in the IP profession

6th Jul 2026 | IP Inclusive
SR25 lady smiling fans.jpg

CITMA Summer Reception 2026

7th Jul 2026 | Reception
SC25 woman smiling in audience.jpg

CITMA and 3PB lecture - Leeds

9th Jul 2026 | 1-hour lecture
SC23 audience member smiling.jpg

CITMA Webinar - Stayin' alive: practical strategies for growing through the AI noise

29th Jul 2026 | Webinar
More Events

Case comments

 Read analysis from recent trade mark cases. 

Review July 26 - cc8.jpg

When ‘help’ doesn’t help

This EUIPO decision shows the limits of weak elements in EU trade mark law, writes Charlene Nelson. B 3 230 804 and B 3 230 826, Swiss Pharma International AG v Zdrovit Romania SRL, EUIPO Opposition Division.

2nd Jul 2026 | Case comment
Review July 26 - cc3.jpg

Genericism allegations go pear-shaped

Insufficient evidence ultimately weakened this case, writes Dominic Farnsworth. [2026] EWHC 360 (IPEC), Wang Zeng International Ltd v Bing Bing Foods Ltd & Ors.

2nd Jul 2026 | Case comment
Review July 26 - cc4.jpg

The dating game

Check your calendar carefully when assessing absolute grounds, writes Giles Parsons. [2026] EWHC 386 (Ch), Parabolica Ltd v Tesla Holding a.s.

2nd Jul 2026 | Case comment
Review July 26 - cc7.jpg

No more monkey business

A decade on, the ECJ finally dismissed this trade mark opposition, writes Rose Smalley-Gordon. C-337/22 P, EUIPO v Nowhere Co Ltd.

2nd Jul 2026 | Case comment
More case comments

News

Read the latest news and features. 

Paralegal congratulations 2025 26 for web.png

CITMA Paralegal Course 2026 results

Congratulations to the 99 candidates who passed the 2025/26 CITMA Paralegal Course exam.

26th Jun 2026 | News
L&P snippets June 2026.jpg

Law and practice snippets: June 2026

An update on recent practice points by our Law and Practice Committee, including sharp practice warnings, dispute resolution, and the EU Design Reform.

17th Jun 2026 | News
CTMRP2 cover 790x526.png

Save 20% on the definitive guide to contentious trade mark work

This summer, we're giving you the chance to add one of the most comprehensive resources in the field to your bookshelf - at a substantial saving.

16th Jun 2026 | News
Business handshake iStock-1424830871.jpg

LawCare announces new leadership

Mental health charity, LawCare has named Mark Evans, current President of the Law Society of England and Wales, as its next Chief Executive Officer.

15th Jun 2026 | News
More news