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 video thumbnail.jpg

What is a trade mark?

Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.

Registered trade mark colourful background.jpg

Getting a trade mark

How can you get a trade mark - we take you through the process step-by-step.

Summer reception 2016

Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney

Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.

For the IP profession: 

CITMA homepage blue button - read CITMA Review.png CITMA homepage blue button - Find events.png CITMA homepage blue button - Student members hub.png CITMA homepage blue button - CITMA Paralegal hub.png

CITMA blog

Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property. 

Oatly drinks on shelf.jpg

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.

27th Mar 2026 | Blog
Bass beer barrell.jpg

Trade marks are more valuable than ever – 150 years on from the first

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Alexandra Nott explores some of the reasons that trade mark protection remains crucial in today’s business environment.

4th Feb 2026 | Blog
Bass beer bottles.jpg

The first UK trade mark: The story of Bass & Co

As UK trade marks celebrate 150 years, the story of Bass reveals how a single registration transformed branding, protection, and commercial rivalry forever.

27th Jan 2026 | Blog
Bass beer mats.jpg

Celebrating 150 years of UK trade marks

This year marks 150 years since the establishment of the UK’s Trade Mark Registry and the first grant of a registered trade mark.

14th Jan 2026 | Blog
More posts

Upcoming events

Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.

IP Inclusive logo

IP Inclusive - IP Futures Panel Discussion and Networking

8th Apr 2026 | IP Inclusive
IP Inclusive logo

IP Inclusive - Rooted in Real: Women in IP Redefining the Narrative

16th Apr 2026 | IP Inclusive
SC25 people in audience smiling.jpg

CITMA and 3PB lecture - Birmingham

21st Apr 2026 | 1-hour lecture
SC23 audience member smiling.jpg

CITMA Webinar - Decoding confusion in the world of AI

22nd Apr 2026 | Webinar
More Events

Case comments

 Read analysis from recent trade mark cases. 

Review March 26 - cc4.jpg

Family matters

Protecting your own must be a priority, finds Sam Barker. [2025] EWHC 3077 (IPEC), easyGroup Ltd v Jaybank Leisure Ltd.

25th Feb 2026 | Case comment
Review March 26 - cc2.jpg

A golden opportunity

Guidance on interpretation of figurative marks with written descriptions is welcome, writes Daniel Ramos. [2025] EWCA Civ 1341, Babek International Ltd v Iceland Foods Ltd.

25th Feb 2026 | Case comment
Review March 26 - cc8.jpg

The hunt for reputation

Rebecca Field reports on Puma’s appeal against a decision it said would affect its reputation. T-491/24, Puma SE v EUIPO, General Court.

25th Feb 2026 | Case comment
Review March 26 - cc3.jpg

Less can mean more

Brevity is a powerful tool in registering marks, finds Henry Schlaefli. [2025] EWCA Civ 1340, Thom Browne Inc & Anor v Adidas AG.

25th Feb 2026 | Case comment
More case comments

News

Read the latest news and features. 

PC25 delegate with laptop smiling.jpg

Your guide to earning CITMA Paralegal CPD in 2026

CPD is an essential part of being a CITMA Paralegal in 2026, offering a flexible way to take ownership of your professional development.

2nd Apr 2026 | Feature
Connecting people stock image.jpg

A memorable evening at the first ever joint CITMA and CIPA Paralegal Reception

With the recent launch of our Paralegal Conference this September, CITMA Paralegal, Paul Farrell reflects on our inaugural joint Paralegal Reception with CIPA last autumn.

2nd Apr 2026 | Feature
Jonathan's Voice logo 790x526.jpg

Jonathan’s Voice releases new self-help video on curiosity

Mental health charity, Jonathan's Voice has released the latest instalment in its self-help video series, naming curiosity the superpower of inclusion and equality.

1st Apr 2026 | News
CITMA banner

CITMA Council election 2026 results announced

We're pleased to announce the results of the 2026 CITMA Council election, following a contested ballot.

26th Mar 2026 | News
More news