David Lammy urges businesses to protect trade marks in the economic downturn

David Lammy, Minister for Intellectual Property (IP), today urged British business to continue protecting their trade marks by seeking trade mark registration during the economic downturn.

Making the keynote speech at the International Conference of the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) in London, Mr. Lammy said:

“The most recent filing information suggests that many companies are now choosing not to protect their trade marks. Applications were 12% down in 2008 compared to 2007. But I think companies should not delay or give up registering. Registering brands as trade marks is the easiest and cheapest way in which companies can safeguard the investment they have already made in them. A failure to register could cause harm to those companies and to British competitiveness in the longer term.”

“Well conceived and protected trade marks can help companies through the bad times. When money is tight, many consumers will stick to products and services they know they can trust. Having registered brands or designs doesn’t just build equity; it also opens up other potentially valuable avenues such as licensing and franchising.”

Mr. Lammy said that over 1 million people in the UK are involved in the creation and management of brands and that 6% of all investment in the UK is invested in creating those brands. “Brands, their creation and protection matter”, he said.

Referring to the fact that ITMA is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, Mr. Lammy said:

“Over that 75 years, ITMA’s members, and trade mark attorneys more widely, have helped businesses to register and protect their trade marks. Trade Mark Attorneys can be of most help in the current climate by offering clear, independent and affordable advice that takes some of the mystery out of registration and makes it easier for companies to navigate the process. Regulation of ITMA under the Legal Services Act, and the role it plays in ensuring members operate at the highest level, will no doubt reassure business. Whether we work in Government, as Trade Mark Attorneys or as other IP professionals, we all have a part to play in ensuring businesses keep their brands protected.”

Gillian Deas, President of ITMA said:

“I am delighted that the Minister for IP could give some of his valuable time to making the keynote speech at our annual International Conference in this, our 75th year. I am sure his words will have reassured many of our audience that the UK Government places great stock on promoting the value of IP and the importance of trade mark protection for economic success.”

“For our part, we will continue to work with the Government, through the auspices of the IPO (the Intellectual Property Office), to increase awareness of trade marks amongst the business community and to ensure the processes work in such a way that they are clearly understood and affordable.” 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) was established in 1934 as the professional body representing those persons qualified to act for the owners of trade mark and allied intellectual property rights (in particular, registered designs) both nationally and internationally. It now represents the vast majority of UK registered trade mark agents and all UK Trade Mark & Design Litigators.

2. Currently ITMA has approximately 500 practising members; it also extends associate membership to professionals in related fields of law and overseas membership to foreign trade mark attorneys. Its total membership (all classes) is about 1600 members, primarily located in the United Kingdom and Europe, but also in more than 50 other countries.

3. Each year ITMA holds an International Conference in London to discuss key issues facing the profession. This year’s conference, held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel, Aldwych, brought together speakers from the trade mark offices of the UK (IPO) and of Europe (OHIM) to update delegates on current law and practice. There were also sessions on opposition procedures, invalidity, non use and privilege and there were speakers on copyright and designs, domain names and company names.

4.  ITMA is regularly consulted by UK government and by international bodies when questions affecting trade mark and allied intellectual property rights arise. It has regular meetings with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the Community Trade Marks Office (OHIM), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and other sister organisations in Europe and beyond. For more information visit www.itma.org.uk

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