Enjoy a day and a half of networking opportunities, plus inspiring and informative sessions, alongside the global IP community.
On the evening of 20th March, join us for our inaugural Spring Party at an iconic London venue (to be announced). Sign off the following day with a delicious lunch among colleagues and new friends.
Don’t miss this international gathering in a world-leading city.
Connect
Our Spring Conference has an even sharper focus on developing connections and friendships, in sessions and social time.
On Thursday 20th March, we’ll welcome you to the Spring Party. We’ve created this gathering as a relaxed, informal evening. With live music, finger food and drinks, say hello and get to know others.
The following day you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch amongst inspiring company, as we bring the conference to a close.
Learn
With an extra half-day together, enjoy a packed and varied programme – where you’ll learn from the world’s leading IP specialists.
Experience more speakers, industry insights and live sessions. These include a deep analysis of design systems from a varied panel representing the UK, US and Hague, a UK perspective of IP in China with Catherine Wolfe from Boult Wade Tennant, and a regulatory update from Lord Chris Smith, IPReg.
Grow
Throw yourself into our Spring Conference. Find ways to grow personally and professionally as you join sessions with others.
As CPD changes, we continue to support your professional development. The conference will be crucial for your growth as you reflect, plan, record and evaluate new skills and knowledge with us.
What to expect
Our Spring Conference is packed with networking and learning opportunities. Your ticket gets you access to:
Thursday 20th March:
- A full day of seminars, discussions and industry insights
- Networking opportunities and break-outs with the UK and international trade mark communities
- The inaugural Spring Party at an iconic London venue (TBC), including finger food
Friday 21st March:
- A second morning of networking and learning opportunities, with a curated speaker programme
- Lunch and drinks
This event is always popular, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Programme
Thursday 20th March 2025
| Time | What’s happening? | Who’s speaking? |
|---|---|---|
| 8:45am | Registration with light refreshments | |
| 9:45am | Introduction & welcome |
Keven Bader, CITMA Kelly Saliger, CITMA |
| 10:10am | UK case law update | To be announced |
| 11am | Take the opportunity to network over a coffee | |
| 11:30am |
AI – The good, bad and ugly In conversation, our panel will discuss how AI is used in examination – including how UK firms propose to include AI in the future of business. Panellists will also discuss how AI might help people know what classes to file in – creating a tool that will alert them when they’re filing. The panel will cite real-world examples, including how firms identify submissions made by AI – and the impact this might have. |
Chair: Azhar Sadique, Abion Natasha Chick, UK IPO Ece Sarica, Coca-Cola Matthew Quigley, nDreams Plus one more speaker to be announced |
| 12:20pm |
Enforcement in the UK With a special focus on Amazon, we will look at IP enforcement regimes operated by key online market places (e.g. Amazon brand registry) and an analysis of whether they are sufficiently accountable. This will include the pitfalls associated with using such procedures from an actionable threats perspective. Additionally, we will explore the role of the courts in online IP enforcement, covering such issues as ISP Blocking Orders. |
To be announced |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2pm |
Design system comparison – the UK, US and Hague Explore what you need to do if you file a design case at an international level, and the impact when pleading. Learn a new strategy for filing and enforcement. With deep analysis from a varied panel representing the UK, US and Hague. |
Michael Conway, HLK Rob Katz, Banner Witcoff |
| 2:45pm |
Sustainability Get practical tips and tricks on how to create a more sustainable workplace. Includes a discussion with ‘green champions’. |
To be announced |
| 3:15pm | Take another opportunity to network over a coffee | |
| 3:45pm |
China: a UK practitioner’s perspective The subject of China remains relevant to many in IP. In this talk, we’ll learn the perspective of a frequent UK user of the system in China. What are the differences between China and the rest of the world? What are the latest trends and developments? And how do you navigate trade mark systems there? |
Catherine Wolfe, Boult Wade Tennant |
| 4:20pm |
Advertising Standards Agency (ASA): updates, developments and a Q&A Join us for an update on how the ASA treats unregulated businesses, and how you too can handle these. Our speaker will also discuss Company Names Tribunal and Domain Names. All things to think about in the context of a dispute. |
To be announced |
| 4:55pm | Close the day | Kelly Saliger, CITMA |
The Spring Party will follow the drinks reception and is a relaxed networking opportunity. We’ll guide you to the venue as the party is about to begin.
Friday 21st March 2025
| Time | What's happening? | Who's speaking? |
|---|---|---|
| 9am | Registration with light refreshments | |
| 9:30am | Welcome message | Dan Hardman-Smart, CITMA |
| 9:35am |
Regulatory update A regulatory review, EDI, new CPD reflective learning approach and AI |
Lord Chris Smith, IPReg |
| 10:10am |
Legacy branding: changing and reviving old brands An in-depth look at Snickers and Marathon, including special editions for use purposes. Our speakers will discuss: Tweaks to a logo/logo refresh and evolution. The in-house perspective – with case studies of brands who have updated a logo. |
Ese Akpogheneta, BAT Plus one more speaker to be announced |
| 10:45am | Take the opportunity to network over a coffee | |
| 11:15am | To be announced | To be announced |
| 11:50am | Close the conference | To be announced |
| 12pm | Lunch and drinks |
Meet your speakers
Ese Akpogheneta, BAT
Ese is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and CITMA Council member, currently CITMA Second Vice-President/Treasurer.
With over 25 years' experience in the global IP field, Ese joined BAT in 2019 as Trade Mark and Marketing Counsel. She focuses on advising marketing teams on trade mark issues, as well as handling the protection, exploitation, and enforcement of a number of its key global brands.
Ese regularly volunteers at the CITMA and UKIPO free business advice clinics providing advice on brand protection and related topics. She is also a member of the IP Inclusive management team, chairs the CITMA Education, Qualification and Standards Committee and serves on other CITMA Committees.
Matthew Quigley, nDreams
Matthew Quigley is a CITMA Paralegal with extensive experience working in-house supporting across the legal function with a focus on Intellectual Property. He currently works in-house at nDreams, providing advice and assistance in the video games industry.
Matthew has been an active member on CITMA's AI Taskforce, serving as the group lead on Technological Impact. In his previous role, he also advised on various AI related topics concerning the roll out of AI tools across the business and how the legal team could best leverage those tools.
Azhar Sadique, Abion
Azhar is a visionary intellectual property expert, committed to revolutionising the IP industry and championing innovation. With a wealth of experience in trade mark practice and product creation, Azhar has been a key member of advisory boards and Committees within the industry, offering valuable insights and helping to shape the future of IP services.
Leading the way in innovation, Azhar is dedicated to changing the game in IP services, utilising the potential of technology, cryptocurrency, and NFTs to create a smooth, efficient, and client-focused experience. As a respected thought leader, Azhar frequently contributes to the CITMA Review, CIPA Journal and has lectured for various prestigious IP institutions.
Ece Sarica, Coca-Cola
Ece is a dual qualified lawyer/solicitor, working as IP Counsel responsible for Europe Operating Unit matters at the Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) and the global IP Lead of the Juice, Nutrition, Plant-based, Dairy category & Innocent & Doğadan companies.
Before being a specialist in the IP team, she was the general counsel of Turkey region in the operations legal team at TCCC. She became in-house 6 years ago by joining TCCC. Before then, she was in private practice working in international law firms focusing on M&A and transactions.
Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury (Chris Smith), IPReg
Master of Pembroke College Cambridge since 2015, Chair of the Intellectual Property Regulation Board, former Culture Secretary and former Chairman of the Environment Agency.
Chris was Labour Councillor for Islington Borough, becoming MP for Islington South and Finsbury in 1983. The following year, he became the first MP in UK history voluntarily to come out as being gay. During his time as Culture Secretary, he restored free admission to national museums and galleries, established NESTA, the Film Council, Creative Partnerships for schools, and the Foundation for Youth Music, to name a few.
In 2003 he became Director of the Clore Leadership Programme, helping to develop the potential of future leaders in the cultural sector. He was then made a life peer in 2005, taking his seat in the House of Lords.
Catherine Wolfe, Partner, Boult Wade Tennant LLP
Dr Catherine Wolfe, Partner, is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, with a degree from the University of Cambridge in Oriental Studies (Chinese) and a PhD in Anglo-Saxon Literacy.
Since entering the profession, she has represented numerous clients from private individuals to major corporations. Alongside her current role, she also lectures on China for the CITMA paralegal course and is a guest lecturer on the trade mark course at Queen Mary University of London, where she is an Honorary Professor.
Catherine has served as CITMA’s President, as well as First Vice President, Second Vice President and Treasurer, since her election to the Council in 2004. She is currently Vice-Chair of the Law & Practice Committee, Co-Chair of the International Committee, and Head of the CITMA China desk.
More speaker biographies to follow.
Our venue
Due to its popularity with our members, our Spring Conference is once again taking place at The Waldorf Hilton on Aldwych.
This beautiful early-20th century venue is a five-minute walk from the Royal Courts of Justice. It features some of London’s best conference facilities, and is a place where tradition and modernity meet.
Following day one’s sessions, we’ll head to our first Spring Party in another of London’s most iconic venues (to be announced).
Cost
Your ticket includes:
- Access to all sessions and networking opportunities across 1.5 days of the expanded Spring Conference
- An invitation to CITMA’s first ever Spring Party, including finger food
- A delicious lunch across two days, with plenty of tea and coffee
- Exclusive access to presentation slides
By booking your ticket today, you will benefit from our earlybird rate, saving you £50:
Member rate: £775
Standard rate: £850
You only have until 20th February to claim your discount.
- Click here to read our terms and conditions.
- If you would like to book a ticket just for the Spring Party on Thursday 20th March, please email [email protected]
Please note
- Payment online via debit or credit card only; proforma invoices are not available.
- Full terms and conditions apply.
- Closing date: 5pm, Thursday 13th March.
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