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Join CITMA
Find out how to become a member of CITMA-
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How to apply to become a member
CITMA offers a wide range of membership types, click here to view the membership categories and apply to become a member through our online form.
Please note that the majority of categories require you to have obtained 'sponsorship' from an existing ordinary or fellow member of CITMA. If required you can use the public search tool to find Ordinary members and Fellows.
If you are thinking about joining but would like to know more about what membership offers, you can view the benefits and about us pages. The CITMA office is also happy to receive membership enquiries, contact us via email or on 020 7101 6090.
Membership of CITMA
As the representative body for the profession within the United Kingdom we pride ourselves on providing value to each and every member.
I joined ITMA in 1990 and have enjoyed nearly 25 years as part of the community. I remember from my early days that those with more experience than me were always willing to provide educational and social support. That is why I try to do the same, to ensure that CITMA continues to flourish. I would therefore encourage anyone in the profession to join CITMA.
C. J. McLeod (Immediate Past-President and Fellow of CITMA)
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Careers
Information about the roles within this specialist sector-
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A career in trade marks
The job of a trade mark attorney is to advise clients on a wide range of trade mark-related issues, and to act on their behalf in dealing with the registration authorities in the UK and European Union and, through local associates where necessary, overseas, as well as with third parties.
A trade mark attorney will have a thorough grounding in UK and foreign trade mark law and practice, and a working knowledge of related issues such as copyright, industrial designs, passing off at common law and unfair competition.
For more information about becoming a trade mark attorney and a career in trade marks, please browse the various pages within this section.
Other roles within the sector
There are a number of alternative roles within the sector and often time spent in these roles can assist in your journey to become a trade mark attorney or they can be a career in their own right.
Other roles include:
- Trade mark administrator
- Trade mark paralegal
- Trade mark assistant
- Trade mark investigator
- Trade mark searcher/watcher
Jobs within the sector are often advertised on the CITMA Jobs Board, please take a look for the latest vacancies.
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Trade marks
About trade marks and other intellectual property-
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Trade marks
A trade mark is any sign capable of graphical representation which can distinguish the goods and services of one undertaking from those of another.
Traditional trade marks consist of words, names, signatures, logos, numbers, signs, designs.
Non-traditional trade marks are harder to secure registration, but can consist of sounds, smells and shapes.
If you would like advice on a trade mark or design matter, please use our public search tool to find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney near to you.
Other intellectual property
As well as trade marks, there are other forms of intellectual property (often abbreviated to IP). These are designs, copyright and patents.
Designs - In essence, a design is the appearance of a product or part of a product.
Copyright - Copyright is an automatic proprietary right which arises in relation to the creation of an original work through the application of skill and labour.
Patents - A patent provides protection for inventions. For further information about patents we recommend you visit the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) website.
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Find an attorney
Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney-
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Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
Click here to use our public search tool to find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney who will be able to offer you advice on trade mark and design matters.
There are over 700 Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys. They are regulated through our independent regulatory arm IPReg and must adhere to a code of conduct as well as maintaining high standards of knowledge and service by completing continuing professional development each year.
If you have any problems using the search tool, please contact us via email - tm@citma.org.uk or by telephone - 0207 101 6090.
Why should I use a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney?
Protecting your intellectual property is vitally important for a successful business. A Chartered Trade Mark Attorney will help you navigate intellectual property law to ensure you are set up for the future as your business grows.
They will help maintain your competitive edge, advising on strategy and the different ways to protect your intellectual property, so you can use the system to your advantage. They will also look after post-registration matters and assist should the worst happen and someone copies your design or brand.
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