Stephen James

Former president of the UK Institute of Trademark Attorneys

Stephen James has worked within the patent and trade mark profession since 1978, first within the British government and then in the pharmaceutical industry. From 1990 to 1994 he served as the head of Glaxo’s trademark department, after which he joined Jenkins law firm, specialising primarily in trademark matters. He has become a universally acknowledged expert in UK and Community trademark law and practice, and advises some of the world’s leading commercial brands.  James continues to push the boundaries of what is accepted as an inherently distinctive trademark and through his creative thinking and persuasive argument, he has achieved acceptance of borderline marks. His career highlights have included the successful registration of the colour orange for telecoms, the colour pink for insulation and the Tarzan yell as a non-musical notation.