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.
Before you launch: four branding checks every food and drink business should make
What can we learn from the recent Supreme Court ruling with plant-based brand, Oatly? Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Craig Beaumont dives into the key takeaways.
Trade marks are more valuable than ever – 150 years on from the first
Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Alexandra Nott explores some of the reasons that trade mark protection remains crucial in today’s business environment.
The first UK trade mark: The story of Bass & Co
As UK trade marks celebrate 150 years, the story of Bass reveals how a single registration transformed branding, protection, and commercial rivalry forever.
Celebrating 150 years of UK trade marks
This year marks 150 years since the establishment of the UK’s Trade Mark Registry and the first grant of a registered trade mark.
Upcoming events
Earn CPD and network with the IP profession at our events.
Case comments
Read analysis from recent trade mark cases.
Family matters
Protecting your own must be a priority, finds Sam Barker. [2025] EWHC 3077 (IPEC), easyGroup Ltd v Jaybank Leisure Ltd.
A golden opportunity
Guidance on interpretation of figurative marks with written descriptions is welcome, writes Daniel Ramos. [2025] EWCA Civ 1341, Babek International Ltd v Iceland Foods Ltd.
The hunt for reputation
Rebecca Field reports on Puma’s appeal against a decision it said would affect its reputation. T-491/24, Puma SE v EUIPO, General Court.
Less can mean more
Brevity is a powerful tool in registering marks, finds Henry Schlaefli. [2025] EWCA Civ 1340, Thom Browne Inc & Anor v Adidas AG.
News
Read the latest news and features.
Law and practice snippets: April 2026
An update on recent practice points by our Law and Practice Committee, including a new Designs Practice Notice, certificate issuance and tribunal timescales.
The UK IPO issues new Designs Practice Notice
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has issued new guidance on protecting digital designs, including graphical user interfaces (GUIs), webpages and graphic symbols/icons.
CITMA announces new president
We are delighted to announce that Daniel Hardman-Smart has been elected as President of The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys.
Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys recognised for pro bono contributions
Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys have been recognised on the Pro Bono Recognition List of England and Wales for the first time.