Managing IP was present at the ceremony which was held at the historic building of the College of Arms. It was attended by members of the UK IP community as well as representatives from other bodies such as the Intellectual Property Regulation Board and the Legal Services Board.
ITMA’s Royal Charter application was approved back in April so yesterday was the first time it was unveiled to the general public.
Following short speeches by the Windsor Herald of the College William Hunt, UK IPO Acting Chief Executive Sean Dennehey and CITMA President Kate O’Rourke, the Royal Charter was presented to O’Rourke. Guests were invited to get up close to view the Royal Charter and the bright red Great Seal of the Realm.
In their speeches, O’Rourke and Bader talked about the organisation’s achievements to date, including the various initiatives it is involved in. They thanked several individuals and organisations for their support and efforts towards this landmark event. O’Rourke also recognised the wider CITMA family which includes trade mark administrators.
UK IP Minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe, who couldn’t attend because she was in the House of Lords to table the IP (Unjustified Threats) Bill, in a statement said the organisation "fully deserves its Chartered status".
CITMA has published a short guide on what the status means for its members. Its press release can be found here.