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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News
Read the latest news and features.
Procedural changes for trade marks in Jersey
From 1st August 2026, Jersey will have its own Office of origin as it will be an independent designation under the Madrid System.
CITMA Summer Reception 2026: Photo gallery
Explore the full gallery of photos from our Summer Reception 2026.
CITMA Paralegal Course 2026 results
Congratulations to the 99 candidates who passed the 2025/26 CITMA Paralegal Course exam.
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.