INTA 2026 roundup - A global welcome to London
What a privilege it was to see the global IP community in our home city. The INTA Annual Meeting brought trade mark professionals from across the world to the Excel and into every corner of London.
For a few remarkable days in early May, you could barely board a Tube without spotting a delegate's lanyard. For us at CITMA, it was a genuine thrill to see our city take centre stage.
Showcasing the UK profession on a global stage
This year's meeting offered our members an unmatched opportunity to showcase the strength, expertise and warmth of the UK trade mark profession. From the exhibition floor to the networking receptions across the city, our members were out in force - meeting clients, building partnerships and demonstrating exactly why the UK continues to be a leading hub for intellectual property.
A landmark reception at Lancaster House
INTA is, at its heart, about bringing people together. In that spirit, we joined forces with the UK IPO and the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) to host a high-level reception at the exceptional setting of Lancaster House - a venue familiar to viewers of The Crown, where it stands in for some of the 'Buckingham Palace' scenes.
The evening welcomed heads of IP offices and IP associations from around the world. Guests heard from:
- Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for IP
- Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO
- Adam Williams, UK IPO CEO and Comptroller General
Strengthening international ties
Among our many international meetings during the week, we were delighted to sit down with the China Trademark Association. It was a valuable opportunity to meet our counterparts, exchange perspectives and discuss areas of mutual interest.
Our new President takes the stage
We were proud to see our new President, Daniel Hardman-Smart, speaking at the Trade Mark Administrators' Brunch. The panel explored how the Trade Mark Administrator (TMA) role has transformed - and where it's heading over the next decade. For administrators looking to navigate new technologies and elevate their strategic value.
The panel featured:
- Carly Regan (Stripe)
- Daniel Hardman-Smart (CITMA/Stobbs)
- Diane Lau (Meta)
- Mark McVicar (Eiger)
- Moderated by Kathleen Jose (Uber)
CITMA Review at the UK IPO booth
Over at the UK IPO booth in the INTA exhibition hall, delegates were able to pick up our INTA special issue of CITMA Review. Hundreds of copies made their way into the hands of trade mark professionals from every corner of the globe - a fantastic showcase of our work and the UK profession.
Thank you
Finally, a few well-deserved thank yous. To INTA, for organising an outstanding event - we were proud to be an official partner. To the UK IPO, for collaborating with us, distributing our CITMA Review special from its booth, and co-organising the ministerial reception alongside ourselves and CIPA. And to CIPA, the Intellectual Property Bar Association and the Intellectual Property Lawyers' Association for co-organising the judges panel with us.
And to our members, and everyone we met while in London. We hope to see you again soon.