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.
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.
How to achieve eggscellent Easter protection
What better way to get into the mood for overindulging in chocolate eggs and hot cross buns than to consider the many types of intellectual property (IP) and surrounding rights that underpin our Easter Eggstravaganza?
Can a country name be a trade mark?
To what extent can the name of a country, like Sweden, actually be a trade mark which can be registered and protected?
How to secure the IP of your food and drink brand
The food and drink sector is a thriving busy marketplace, to help new entrants to this vibrant space we have put together a start to finish guide on the stages of securing IP for a new product – what you can protect and how.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Go ask Alice
Naomi Jenkins explains how the Court answered key questions. [2024] EWHC 3256 (IPEC), Alice Ltd v Photogram Ltd and others, High Court.
Banana blues
Désirée Fields outlines why some shape and colour combinations require compelling evidence of acquired distinctiveness. T-426/23, Chiquita Brands LLC v EUIPO, General Court.
Fishing for a reaction
Anne Greatorex catches up with the Court’s latest free-speech challenge. [2024] EWHC 2892 (Ch), Samherji HF v Oddur Fridriksson, High Court.
Aldi faces bitter loss
This decision may be sweet relief for those fighting lookalikes, believes Richard May. [2025] EWCA Civ 5, Thatchers Cider Company Ltd v Aldi Stores Ltd, Court of Appeal.
News
Read the latest news and features.
The art of persuasion: advocacy before the trade marks registry
How to master strategies for persuasive written and oral advocacy, and achieve success before the various UK IPO registries. Michael Edenborough KC has shared the tools you need to transform your approach to advocacy.
UK excels in global IP ranking with top position for trade marks
The UK has secured perfect scores in two key categories – trade marks and designs – in the latest International IP Index.
CIPA CITMA Cricket Club celebrates 25th anniversary
All IP professionals are invited to join us to watch or play in a landmark cricket match to celebrate sport, community and friendship.
Government maintains UK+ IP exhaustion regime
The Government has committed to maintaining the current UK+ intellectual property exhaustion regime, following a period of consultation.