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.
AI trade marks: a unique set of problems
AI is posing unique challenges to tech companies. Claire Hutson from Marks & Clerk shares why a strong portfolio of trade marks is essential for any firms involved with AI.
The difference between trade marks, patents, copyright and designs explained
Trade marks, patents, copyright and designs are all different types of intellectual property – what is the difference between them, and which should you be thinking about? Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Adam Kellett has the answers.
Why Campbell’s succeeded where McDonald’s failed
The differing recent fortunes of Campbell’s and McDonald’s trade marks highlight the need for businesses to document use of trade marks, as Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Graeme Murray explains.
The vape escape: how brand owners can fight back
Red Bull, Ferrara Candy Co. and Wrigley are amongst the hundreds of food and drink brand names to have been used by vaping companies. These brand owners are fighting back.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Easyjet’s claim fails to take flight
Ben Evans explains the role of targeted marketing in this decision. [2018] EWHC 3155 (Ch), EasyGroup Ltd v Easy Fly Express Ltd & Anor, High Court, 21st November 2018.
Leeds City FC shown red card
The Court wasn’t disposed to see the Applicant’s side, says Dale Carter. O/755/18, Leeds City Football Club Ltd v Leicester City Football Club Ltd, UK IPO, 26th November 2018.
More is not always the merrier
Evelina Skrudyte explains why some evidence missed the mark. O/805/18, Bisou Beauty (Opposition), UK IPO, 14th December 2018.
Grate expectations
The time isn’t right for tastes to receive copyright protection, confirms Rebecca Campbell. C-310/17, Levola Hengelo BV v Smilde Foods BV, CJEU, 13th November 2018.
Brexit
Read the latest updates on what the UK's withdrawal from the European Union means for intellectual property.
Brexit extension granted
The UK’s proposal to extend the date of its withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has been agreed.
EUIPO publishes guidance
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has published new guidance on the impact of Brexit, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29th March.
Trade mark Brexit guidance for business
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has published new guidance for business in the event of the UK leaving the European Union (EU) without a deal.
Numbering for cloned EU trade marks in the UK
EU Trade Marks (EUTMs) will be given a short prefix on the UK register when UK leaves the EU, the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has today confirmed.