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.
Five reasons to register your trade mark
Add value to your business, protect against counterfeiters and ensure it is unquestionably yours to use – there are many reasons why all businesses should register their trade marks as Sarah De’Ath from HGF explains.
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.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Another fine Ness
Beverley Robinson looks into a case where an earlier mark made a difference. O/030/19, (Loch Ness Tonic), UK IPO, 16th January 2019.
Good vibes gone bad?
David Yeomans wonders whether this mark will ever reach registration. B 3 015 552, Laurent Zentz v Valuestore.it SR, EUIPO, 30th January 2019.
Earlier dates don't mean earlier rights
Catherine Byfield reports on a failed attempt to beat the clock. T-287/17, Swemac Innovation AB v EUIPO, CJEU, 7th February 2019.
Ale’s well that ends well
The HO determined HBO’s defence was too weak, explains Dale Carter. O/072/19, Wadworth Game of Stones (Opposition), UK IPO, 5th February 2019.
Brexit
Read the latest updates on what the UK's withdrawal from the European Union means for intellectual property.
EUIPO publishes updated official communication
The EUIPO has published an updated official communication from EUIPO Executive Director Christian Archambeau on Brexit.
Further Brexit extension granted
On 10th April the EU confirmed that it had granted the UK a further extension to the Brexit process until 31st October 2019.
Numbering for post-Brexit trade marks and designs
The numbering for equivalent UK registrations of Registered Community Designs and international registrations post-Brexit has been announced.
Brexit extension granted
The UK’s proposal to extend the date of its withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has been agreed.