President's Welcome

Philip Harris, the newly-elected President of ITMA, the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, says he aims to enhance the trade mark profession's responsiveness to consumers' needs in his two year tenure as President.

Speaking after his inauguration at the ITMA Council on 28 March, Philip said:

"Lord Falconer's proposed reforms to the provision of legal services offer challenges and opportunities to smaller professions such as ours. We aim to make the most of the opportunities to enhance our professional status in the UK and in the Intellectual Property (IP) world and to meet these challenges by making our profession as responsive to consumers as possible."

"We have appreciated being an integral part of the consultations undertaken by the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). ITMA looks forward to working with the DCA to produce a regulatory framework that not only matches the needs of consumers but is also practical for an Institute with an exemplary record on handling complaints."

"Nearly 50% of trade mark attorneys are women, so we have particularly welcomed the Lord Chancellor's statements on diversity in the judiciary in which he accepted that trade mark attorneys have an important role to play. We are delighted that he has recognized our members' status as legal professionals and that he acknowledges the role of Intellectual Property in business success. ITMA members will be able to add value to the pool of barristers and solicitors that have traditionally served the judiciary and look forward to hearing of legislative progress in this area."

"More recently, Andrew Gowers has called for evidence on the Review of Intellectual Property he is carrying out for the Government. ITMA will be providing detailed comments on issues related to Trade Marks."

"Trade Mark law is undoubtedly a niche area of practice that can sometimes be overlooked in national policy-making. However, trade marks can add enormous value to a business can influence the perceptions and habits of millions of consumers and contribute to a healthy and vibrant economy. I believe the members of ITMA are uniquely placed to offer authoritative and informed views to policy makers, not only in the UK and the EU but also worldwide. I relish the challenge ahead and see it as an opportunity for the UK profession to make its mark."