Latest news
CITMA Paralegal Conference 2024: key talking points
More than 150 paralegals, speakers and exhibitors packed into BMA House in London for a day of learning and building new connections.
UK IPO warns rights holders of misleading invoices
The UK IPO has issued a new warning to holders of intellectual property rights to be cautious when receiving invoices, after a 63% increase in unsolicited payment requests.
CITMA launches updated Paralegal Competency Framework
We have published an updated version of the CITMA Paralegal Competency Framework, which outlines the key skill sets of a CITMA Paralegal.
CITMA launches new net zero initiative to accelerate the IP profession towards a sustainable future
To ensure sustainability remains a priority for the IP legal profession, we have launched a net zero pledge for firms and organisations operating within the IP legal sector to sign.
Brexit
UK IPO updates address for service guidance
Ahead of the upcoming changes to address for service rules for comparable trade marks and re-registered designs, the UK IPO has published updated guidance on the requirements.
UK government announces no action on exhaustion
The government needs more time to explore the UK’s future exhaustion of intellectual property (IP) regime meaning there will be no imminent change, it has announced.
Deadline looms for pending EU rights
Earlier UK filing dates for some 70,000 trade marks are still eligible to claimed with the deadline just six weeks away.
UK IPO's warning about priority filings
Just ten weeks remain until the filing deadline for UK priority applications based on rights that were pending at the EUIPO on 1st January 2021.
Features
Understanding vicarious trauma in the legal workplace
In the legal profession, it’s important to be aware of how dealing with emotionally stressful situations can have a knock on effect.
Exploring the future of the billable hour
It’s a cornerstone of the legal sector’s corporate business model, but are alternatives to the billable hour viable?
Protecting brands online: Strategic approaches to enforcement
Online brand protection can seem a herculean task – we set out the strategies to keep IP safe in the digital space
CITMA Paralegal Conference: why join us again in 2024?
Our award-nominated 2023 CITMA Paralegal Conference was our biggest-ever event for Paralegal members – hear from attendees on what they enjoyed, and why they’re back in 2024.
CITMA Review features:
Twice as nice?
Four trade mark professionals describe the experience of being dual-qualified.
The trade mark 20: Tom Coop
CITMA member Tom Coop answers our questions. Find out more about Alfie the dog, where Tom wants to travel to and what trade mark he would be.
USPTO guidance applies current rules to AI
The USPTO hopes “to ensure AI is not misused – or left unchecked – in practice before our judicial boards”. Sponsored content in association with WebTMS.
“I am incredibly lucky to have a wealth of extended support”
Part-time working can thrive in our profession, believes Alice Anderson.
Case comments
Corporate veil continues Lifestyle Equities CV and another v Ahmed and another
Aaron Wood argues that this decision leaves uncertainty around some important issues. [2024] UKSC 17, Lifestyle Equities CV and another v Ahmed and another, Supreme Court.
Pulling focus: Puma SE v EUIPO
One celebrity social post can mean self-disclosure, warns Sarah Husslein. T-647/22, Puma SE v EUIPO – Handelsmaatschappij J Van Hilst BV, General Court, 6th March 2024
Big day for distinctiveness
Chris Hawkes explains why a bit of decoration won’t aid registration. O/026/24, 3-Dimensional Shape (Chocolate), UK IPO.
No great swindle in punk dispute: Howard Bates v Wayne Barrett-McGrath
Poor behaviour wasn’t put up with, writes Robert Franks. O/0441/24, Howard Bates v Wayne Barrett-McGrath, UK IPO.