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.

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What is a trade mark?

Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.

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Getting a trade mark

How can you get a trade mark - we take you through the process step-by-step.

Summer reception 2016

Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney

Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.

For the IP profession: 

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CITMA blog

Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property. 

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Stay ahead of competitors: Why trade marks are a smart business move

A strong trade mark protects your brand, sets you apart from competitors, and builds customer trust – here’s how to secure and enforce yours effectively.

12th Sep 2025 | Blog
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Back to brand school: Is your IP ready for a new season?

As pupils across the UK ready themselves for the new school year, discover the steps you can take to prepare your brand for a new season.

28th Aug 2025 | Blog
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Trade marks and festivals: Protecting culture, commerce, and creativity

Festivals in the UK are much more than seasonal gatherings – they are cultural cornerstones, economic drivers, and global attractions.

29th Jul 2025 | Blog
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The day TfL did not mind the gap

What happens when a famous transport slogan collides with a global fashion brand? TfL and Gap clash in a battle over iconic branding rights.

26th Jun 2025 | Blog
More posts

Upcoming events

Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.

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CITMA Quiz - Edinburgh

9th Oct 2025 | Quiz night
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IP Inclusive - Systemic and cultural ways to support mental wellbeing at work

10th Oct 2025 | IP Inclusive
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CITMA Paralegal Webinar - Trade Marks, Domain Names and DotBrands

14th Oct 2025 | Webinar
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CITMA Designs Town Hall Meeting

16th Oct 2025 | Webinar
More Events

Case comments

 Read analysis from recent trade mark cases. 

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Threaten at your peril!

This judgment identified a crystal-clear motive, says Carl Steele. [2025] EWHC 1239 (Ch), Bargain Busting Ltd v Shenzhen SKE Technology Co Ltd & Ors, High Court.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Unpicking the label

Designers forfeit certain rights when assigning patronymic trade marks, but new owners should not push the boundaries too far, says Shaun Anderson. C-168/24 – Opinion, PMJC SAS v [W] [X], [M] [X], [X] Créative SAS.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Legacy agreements in the internet age

Territorial rights remain enforceable online, says Sobia Ramzan. [2025] EWCA Civ 343, Merck KGaA v Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC & Anor, Court of Appeal.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
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Game on

Ultimately, there was no likelihood of confusion, writes Milena Velikova. T-242/24, Versiontech, Inc v EUIPO – Verizon Trademark Services LLC, General Court.

28th Aug 2025 | Case comment
More case comments

News

Read the latest news and features. 

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IPReg welcomes new Chair

The Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) recently welcomed Bill Matthews as its new Chair, following an open recruitment process.

7th Oct 2025 | News
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CITMA wins sustainability initiative award

Our net zero programme has been recognised as sector-leading example of sustainability innovation.

1st Oct 2025 | News
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CITMA Paralegal Conference 2025: Key talking points

This year's conference saw 170 paralegals, speakers and exhibitors packed into BMA House in London for a day of learning and building new connections.

26th Sep 2025 | News
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CITMA Paralegal Conference 2025: Photo gallery

View a selection of photos from our second Paralegal Conference in London's BMA House.

26th Sep 2025 | News
More news