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.
What is a trade mark?
Learn why trade marks are valuable business assets.
Getting a trade mark
How can you get a trade mark - we take you through the process step-by-step.
Find a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
Use our directory to find intellectual property legal experts.
For the IP profession:
CITMA blog
Read fascinating and entertaining insight into intellectual property.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News
Read the latest news and features.
Government launches major design rights consultation
The Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has launched a comprehensive 12-week consultation seeking to modernise Britain's design protection system and strengthen the UK's position as a global design powerhouse.
Law and practice snippets: August 2025
An update on recent practice points by our Law and Practice Committee, including a new international design law treaty, scam emails and use of AI.
CITMA Mentoring receives further recognition
We are proud to share that CITMA Mentoring has been shortlisted for Best Learning / Professional Development Programme at the Association Excellence Awards 2025.
New CITMA Review editor appointed
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new editor for our award-winning member publication, CITMA Review.