Helene WhelbournOf Counsel

I graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc (Hons) Psychology. I joined the trade mark profession after finishing university with a London firm of patent and trade mark attorneys as a trainee trade mark agent in 1990, qualifying as a Registered Trade Mark Attorney by examination in 1994. During my career I have also been an examiner for the former Trade Marks qualification before joining the Joint Examination Board, which I chaired from 2009-2011. I was also on CITMA Council from 2014-2016, during which time I was editor of and chaired the CITMA Review committee. I also helped to set up and chair the CITMA Domain name committee.

I have extensive experience in the protection and enforcement of trade marks worldwide including searching, filing and prosecuting trade mark applications, defending against and filing oppositions and invalidation actions, advising on infringement and counterfeit issues, advising on domain name disputes.

During my career I have worked across a range of industries ranging from food and drinks, fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, computers, technology, energy, financial institutions and human resources and training providers. I have experience of advising on a range of different types of clients including private individuals, SMEs, corporate clients and global organisations. Currently, much of my time is spent managing the trade mark portfolios of a global learning and development company, a well-known footwear designer, an IT financial services company and a beauty products company.