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?
Let our experts help you get to grips with trade marks and other intellectual property rights.
Find out how a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney will help you to navigate intellectual property law.
What is a trade mark?
Trade marks are valuable business assets - what are they and how can you get one?
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.
CITMA blog
Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property.
The puzzle has been solved …maybe
Earlier this autumn, the General Court of the European Union, confirmed the invalidity of the Rubik’s Cube trade mark because it consists of a functional shape.
Black Friday shopping
Given the potential for severe brand abuse and risks to consumers, it is important for brands to match their commercial aspirations with legal resource.
The dos and don’ts of advertising wars
Comparative advertising can be a useful tool to undercut competitors, but it must be used with care.
Protecting the Rugby World Cup brand
As Rugby World Cup reaches an exciting conclusion, the winner on the field will be crowned – but how do brands win off the field and how do trade marks help.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Was it the end of the line for TfL's Metropolitan trade mark?
Could this be an encouragement to keep arguments simple? In Metropolitan Spain v TfL, the Opposition Division exercised its entitlement to focus only on the most effective rights and grounds.
Rubik’s Cube trade mark in puzzling General Court decision
Ruling confirms that the ground for refusal may apply even when a graphic representation does not display all the characteristics that allow the goods to perform their function.
#darferdas? drives new discussion on hashtag distinctiveness
There may be good news for hashtags when it comes to proving genuine use of a trade mark.
UK IPO finds some cause for indirect confusion in Jammin CBD
Looking for a masterclass in the case law on confusion and evidence?
Brexit
Read the latest updates on what the UK's withdrawal from the European Union means for intellectual property.
Possible ‘No-Deal’ Brexit: Implications on International Applications and Registrations
WIPO has published information about how users rights would be preserved – and how to safeguard those rights – in a no deal scenario.
New no-deal Brexit guidance on trade marks
The UK Government has published new guidance on trade marks if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Our response to a new Prime Minister
Following the announcement that Boris Johnson will be the new Prime Minister we have issued the following statement.
Brexit and designs quick reference guide
We have published a quick reference guide to registered and unregistered EU designs post-Brexit.