Benefits
There are 7 key reasons why UK trade mark attorneys affiliate with ITMA:
1. Support for professional qualifications
Trainee trade mark attorneys attend tutorials, seminars, and acquire general training to help them pass qualifying examinations and enter onto the official Register. Students must take all the qualifying examinations, or have exemptions to some, to be entered onto the Register. ITMA is involved in educating students to become fully qualified in the UK.
2. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
An essential part of membership to ITMA is CPD. Through seminars and conferences, ITMA updates members on changes in law and practice in trade marks and related fields, so that we may offer clients the very best service. It is important that practitioners in all types of work maintain professional competence, and CPD resources provide an accessible and standardised way to develop knowledge and skills, to keep up to date, and demonstrate professional standing.
3. Access to global advice
ITMA has close links to equivalent organisations, such as the UK Trade Marks Registry, the European Registry in Alicante, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the European Communities Trade Mark Association (ECTA), the US based INTA, MARQUES, and equivalent institute bodies in France, the Benelux and Germany, as well as elsewhere. This means that ITMA stays up to date in global changes in law and practice. ITMA's Council retains a very high level of involvement with trade mark associations, governing bodies and regulators worldwide. This information is made easily accessible to our members.
4. A respected code of practice
The code of practice promotes just and honourable practices in the conduct of the trade mark professional. Members of ITMA are also encouraged to lobby changes in trade mark legislation that do not meet these criteria.
5. Raising industry awareness
ITMA constantly strives to encourage businesses to use fully qualified UK attorneys affiliated to a professional body. ITMA works closely with other bodies such as the UK Trade Marks Registry to publicise the field of trade marks and peripheral areas, so that the information is accessible to all.
6. A worldwide network of members
ITMA fosters global networking and social opportunities through social programmes, events and conferences. It has been a member of the Alliance Against Counterfeiting & Piracy, and encourages links with the UK Bar. ITMA offers discount rates to members to attend two conferences run every year, one in March and one in September. ITMA also runs evening lectures most months, and occasional half-day seminars. ITMA encourages overseas membership for practitioners in other countries outside the UK. Most ITMA members know each other, which encourages general discussion. This can help very much in cases of conflict and in keeping up to date.
7. Up to date news and information services
ITMA provides exclusive parts of its website to its members, a monthly journal, leaflets and fact sheets. It provides regular press releases, a daily news update for members, and works with the media to publicise the field of trade marks. Together with the conferences, half-day seminars and evening meetings for members, ITMA provides invaluable information and ongoing updates to its members.
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