Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys Welcome Government’s Decision to Increase Diversity in the Judiciary

In their joint response, Michael Harrison, President of CIPA and Stephen James, President of ITMA said, “We are delighted by this decision which, we see as recognition of our Members’ status as legal professionals, of the high standards set by our professions and of the sound reputation our Members have earned over the years. Intellectual property is vitally important to modern business and the Courts are increasingly called on to resolve disputes in this field. Our Members’ specialist knowledge gives them unique skills and insights in this field. Both of our Institutes supported the earlier decision to examine how diversity in the judiciary could be extended .We are confident that any of our Members chosen for this new role will bring the many benefits provided by their particular background and experiences.”

Background
Intellectual Property (IP) is the term usually given to patents, trade marks, designs and copyright.
The Institutes responses to the Government’s earlier consultation paper on increasing diversity in the judiciary service are available on their respective websites www.cipa.org.uk and www.itma.org.uk.

The full ministerial statement can be found at
at:http://www.dca.gov.uk/pubs/statements/judicialdiversity.htm

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents (CIPA) is a professional body representing Patent Attorneys in the United Kingdom. CIPA was founded in 1882 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1891. CIPA is therefore a recognised and established part of the legal profession in the UK.
2. The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) is the UK body dedicated to the protection of trade marks. It has over 520 corporate members and is the onlyUK professional body of practitioners concerned primarily with trade mark matters throughout the world. It has recently acquired “Authorised Body “ status under the Courts & Legal Services Act 1990 and so, like CIPA, is a recognised legal professional body.

For further information contact either:

Ted Blake (Tel: 020 7405 9450) The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents95 Chancery LaneLondonWC2A 1DTe- mail: ted.blake@cipa.org.ukwww.cipa.org.uk

The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (Tel: 020 8686 2052)Canterbury House2-6 Sydenham RoadCroydonSurrey, CRO 9XE. www.itma.org.uk.