An innovative new professional qualification course has been designed by Nottingham Law School and approved by the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) in the United Kingdom. This  course introduces a series of skills-based qualifications that are intended to sit alongside the formal law course, to produce a qualification outcome much more closely aligned with that developed for barristers and solicitors in recent years.  

The skills to be taught as part of the new qualification include negotiation; advocacy; client care; drafting (process and settlements); letter and advice skills; client interviewing and professional ethics and conduct.

A Transitional Course for eligible students will commence in October 2010 with the new Professional Certificate in Trade Mark Practice following, subject to validation, in 2011. Alongside the new main qualification, Nottingham Law School has also developed an additional ITMA Litigator Certificate and ITMA Advocacy Certificate allowing Trade Mark Attorneys to practise litigation and appear as advocates before the Patents County Court. For further particulars contact ITMA here.