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 X Factor name game
Why did trade marks cause Little Mix and other X Factor acts to change their names? Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Clare Mann explains.
Can I lose my trade mark?
Chartered Trade Mark Attorney Adam Kellett shares five ways you could actually end up losing your registered trade mark rights, and how you can avoid doing so.
How brands are keeping up with consumers
We are used to seeing logos and words used a trade marks, but there is a world of other devices being used by brands in today's connected world to catch our attention.
How do supermarkets get away with ‘lookalike’ own-brands?
Supermarket shelves are full of own-brand products that mimic leading brands. Ever wondered just how they get away with it?
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Swansong for Souvenir
Rachel Garrod looks at the reasons why this appeal was considered unfounded. C-488/16 P, Bundesverband Souvenir – Geschenke – Ehrenpreise eV v EUIPO, CJEU, 6th September 2018.
Classic case
Yet Charlie Bond believes that further guidance could be useful. O/533/18, Royal Christmas Gala (Opposition), UK IPO, 28th August 2018.
Sweet but short?
Adrian Dykes feels that this Apple victory may be short-lived. T-104/17, Apple Inc v EUIPO and Apo International Co Ltd, General Court, 13th September 2018.
On with the game
A childhood staple resisted a recent challenge, writes Charlotte Wilding. O/501/18, MONOPOLY (Opposition), UK IPO, 14th August 2018.
Brexit
Read the latest updates on what the UK's withdrawal from the European Union means for intellectual property.
International IP registrations in the event of ‘no deal’ Brexit
International trade mark and design registrations that designate the EU will continue to cover the UK, even in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed.
UK and EU "should establish a mechanism for cooperation" on IP
A “mechanism for cooperation” should be established between the UK and EU post-Brexit for trade marks, designs and patents a new document released by UK and EU negotiators reveals.
New draft Brexit withdrawal agreement published
IP rights and rights of representation feature in the draft withdrawal agreement, published on 14th November 2018.
Parliamentary report calls for UK representation at EUIPO post-Brexit
A new parliamentary report calls for Government to seek continued rights of representation for UK representatives at the EUIPO.