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?
Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.
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.
For the IP profession:
CITMA blog
Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property.
How to achieve eggscellent Easter protection
What better way to get into the mood for overindulging in chocolate eggs and hot cross buns than to consider the many types of intellectual property (IP) and surrounding rights that underpin our Easter Eggstravaganza?
Can a country name be a trade mark?
To what extent can the name of a country, like Sweden, actually be a trade mark which can be registered and protected?
How to secure the IP of your food and drink brand
The food and drink sector is a thriving busy marketplace, to help new entrants to this vibrant space we have put together a start to finish guide on the stages of securing IP for a new product – what you can protect and how.
The legal tightrope of brand mimicry by discount supermarkets
Discount supermarkets often sail close to the wind – what do recent trade mark disputes tell us about what is acceptable?
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Go ask Alice
Naomi Jenkins explains how the Court answered key questions. [2024] EWHC 3256 (IPEC), Alice Ltd v Photogram Ltd and others, High Court.
Banana blues
Désirée Fields outlines why some shape and colour combinations require compelling evidence of acquired distinctiveness. T-426/23, Chiquita Brands LLC v EUIPO, General Court.
Fishing for a reaction
Anne Greatorex catches up with the Court’s latest free-speech challenge. [2024] EWHC 2892 (Ch), Samherji HF v Oddur Fridriksson, High Court.
Aldi faces bitter loss
This decision may be sweet relief for those fighting lookalikes, believes Richard May. [2025] EWCA Civ 5, Thatchers Cider Company Ltd v Aldi Stores Ltd, Court of Appeal.
News
Read the latest news and features.
Brands, brains and anxiety: Living, working and thriving with Generalised Anxiety Disorder in the world of IP
CITMA Paralegal, Kay Szawlis tells us about her journey living with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and how firms can help support employees experiencing similar difficulties.
UK IPO relaunches SME IP support scheme
The UK IPO has announced a change to its support programme for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises for 2025/26 with new funding available.
The positive impact of IP Inclusive 10 years on
This year marks 10 years of IP Inclusive and to celebrate, IP professionals recently gathered, both in London and online, for an afternoon of insightful discussion.
Law and practice snippets: April 2025
An update on recent practice points by our Law and Practice Committee - including changes to UK IPO forms, fraudulent emails and series marks.