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.

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What is a trade mark?

Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.

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Getting a trade mark

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

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Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney

Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.

For the IP profession: 

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CITMA blog

Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property. 

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From showgirls to superstars: when two worlds collide

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Amelia Skelding dives into the recent dispute involving American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift and a former Las Vegas performer.

27th Apr 2026 | Blog
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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
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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
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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
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Upcoming events

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

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Green Champions Connect: Monitoring, reporting and reducing emissions

21st May 2026 | Webinar
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IP Inclusive - Building inclusion through confident conversations

21st May 2026 | IP Inclusive
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IP Inclusive - AI in IP: Curious, cautious or confident?

22nd May 2026 | IP Inclusive
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CITMA Webinar - Stepping out: life as a newly qualified trade mark attorney

28th May 2026 | Webinar
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Case comments

 Read analysis from recent trade mark cases. 

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They shoot, but do they score?

Instagram’s grip on the -GRAM suffix proves picture perfect, writes Oli Gray. B 3 219 888, Instagram LLC v Panathinaikos, EUIPO Opposition Division.

13th May 2026 | Case comment
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Find my reputation

In disputes involving major brands, can marks’ similar elements meaningfully shift consumer perception? Charlene Nelson finds out. O/1195/25, MEGA POP podjetje za oglasevanje na prostem d.o.o v Apple Inc, UK IPO.

13th May 2026 | Case comment
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Keeping your word

Using a registered word mark as part of a logo mark does not preclude a finding of genuine use – as long as the words remain the dominant element, writes Trecina Sookhoo. O/0080/26, Kilburn & Strode LLP v Easy Limo UK Ltd; O/0028/26, Kilburn & Strode LLP v EasyTerra Besloten Vennootschap; O/1148/25, Kilburn & Strode LLP v Easy Avenues Ltd, UK IPO.

13th May 2026 | Case comment
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The distinguishing mark of man

No matter how famous an author is, copyright exists to protect their work, not their name, writes Matthew Harris. R 2248/2019-G, The Estate of the Late Sonia Brownell Orwell v EUIPO.

13th May 2026 | Case comment
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News

Read the latest news and features. 

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CITMA takes on this year’s London Legal Walk

We’re delighted to be taking part in the London Legal Walk this June to raise vital funds for the London Legal Support Trust.

18th May 2026 | News
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Meet your new Student Representative: Mark Dainty

We're delighted to welcome Mark Dainty of Edwin Coe as our new Student Representative. Mark succeeds April Parker, who held the post since April 2024.

5th May 2026 | Feature
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How to have a sustainable INTA annual meeting

INTA's 148th Annual Meeting has arrived in London - the first time the global trade mark community has gathered in the UK’s capital on such a scale.

2nd May 2026 | Feature
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Small steps, big impact: practical sustainability for IP practitioners

Adam Bastock, Founder of Small99, shares actionable strategies that trade mark professionals and IP firms can implement today - without needing to be perfect to make progress.

27th Apr 2026 | Feature
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