Japanese Urged to use UK as a Gateway to Europe

In a unique venture the team of six ITMA representatives will give presentations to the Japan Trademark Association (JTA) and the Japan Patent Attorneys Association (JPAA) covering the Community Trade Mark (CTM), Community Designs and International registrations using the Madrid Protocol.

Stephen James, President of ITMA, who is leading the delegation, said: “In 2004 the Japanese filed close on 1,500 applications for CTMs which represents almost 2.5% of all applications filed worldwide. This is a significant proportion of global filings.”

“UK trade mark attorneys are ideally placed to represent Japanese 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 UK profession, but also good business for UK companies.”

“I am particularly pleased that the seminars will be held at the British Embassy. That demonstrates the Government’s support for such enterprise and I am grateful to UK Trade and Investment for their help in organising the programme.”

Both seminars will be held in the New Hall of the British Embassy, Tokyo, from 2.00 – 5.00 pm and will be followed by a reception. The seminar for JTA members will be on Thursday 15 September and for members of the JPAA on Friday 16 September.

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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