New CITMA President elected
Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy has been elected as our President.
Rachel, who is a partner at Baker McKenzie, began her two-year term in the role on 12th April 2022. She was voted in unanimously by CITMA’s Council and succeeds Richard Goddard.
Following her election Rachel said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be elected into this role and trusted by my peers in this way. It will be a demanding two years, but I am ready for the challenge.
“Rights of representation before the UK IPO is a live issue for our members and the IP sector, and one that I am determined to take forward.
“I have had the privilege of working closely with the UK IPO through my role on the Law and Practice Committee. I want to ensure the views of the trade mark legal profession continue to be heard by the UK IPO and that the best outcome is achieved from its ongoing digital transformation project.
“Further strengthening ties internationally with WIPO, the EUIPO and registries and professional bodies across the globe will be vital in helping our profession to continue to thrive in a global IP system.
“Also, I will work to continue to empower newly qualified practitioners to embrace taking advantage of the full range of their advocacy and litigation rights, as well as ensuring the trade mark attorney profession is at the forefront of attracting diverse new talent.”
Rachel is a partner within the Intellectual Property Department of the London office of Baker McKenzie. She became a partner in 2021 and has been with the firm since 2007.
Prior to being elected as our President, Rachel has served for two years each as Second Vice-President/Treasurer, and most recently as First Vice-President. Rachel is also Chair of our Law & Practice Committee.
Rachel joined CITMA as a Student member in 2004 while working as a legal secretary for a boutique trade mark firm. She qualified as a trade mark attorney in 2010 and obtained higher courts litigation rights in 2013.
The President has responsibility for the policy and direction of CITMA and our liaison with UK government officials and international organisations.
In addition to Rachel’s election Kelly Saliger (CMS UK) has been elected as CITMA First Vice-President and Dan Hardman-Smart (Stobbs) as Second Vice-President/Treasurer.