Beijing 2008 Offers Trade Mark Gateway to Europe

Speaking at the first ever seminar in Beijing hosted by ITMA, the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, in conjunction with the China Trademark Association, the President of ITMA, Stephen James, said: “The Beijing Olympics in 2008 will bring world focus to the commercial opportunities being offered by Chinese companies.”

“For them to capitalise on these opportunities they can look to Europe as a fruitful market for their products and services. I hope that with this seminar we can encourage Chinese trade mark attorneys to use their UK counterparts to apply for European Community Trade Marks (CTMs) for their clients.”

“In this unique venture my ITMA team will give presentations covering the Community Trade Mark, Community Designs and International registrations using the Madrid Protocol.”

“UK trade mark attorneys are ideally placed to represent Chinese companies seeking protection for their trade marks in Europe because ITMA members are officially recognised as representatives before OHIM, the European body that administers the CTM system. Not only do we speak one of the official languages, but we have absolute familiarity with OHIM procedures.”

“We hope that through our presentations ITMA will demonstrate that the UK is the true gateway to Europe. The venture is not only good for the trade mark profession here in the UK and in China, but also good business for UK companies.”

“I am grateful to the China Trademark Association (CTA) and its Secretary General Mr. Cao Zhongqiang for agreeing to co-host the event. I hope that both organisations will benefit from the experience.”

The seminar will be held in Ballroom 3 of the Great Wall Sheraton Hotel from 2.30 – 5.30 on Monday 12 September followed by a reception in the East Garden.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) is the professional body for trade mark attorneys in the United Kingdom. Established in 1934, it plays a significant role in promoting the importance of registering trade marks. Our Members, Trade Mark Attorneys, give specialised legal advice and assistance relating to the selection, registration, protection and exploitation of all kinds of trademarks and brands, as well as designs.

2. Much of our Members’ work involves representing national and international clients of all kinds in registered trade mark and registered design matters before the UK Patent Office and before the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market. The Institute also administers the Register of Trade Mark Agents; no-one may call themselves a "Trade Mark Attorney" unless they are registered on the Register of Trade Mark Agents.

3. The presentations will be given by senior representatives of ITMA including Dr Stephen James, President of ITMA, from RGC Jenkins & Co, London, Philip Harris of Gill Jennings & Every, London, who is First Vice President of the Institute, Gillian Deas of D Young & Co, Southampton, who is Second Vice President, Mark Foreman of Rouse & Co, London, John Peacock of Eric Potter Clarkson, Nottingham, and Dr. Catherine Wolfe of Page White & Farrer, London.

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