Trademark Administrators Certificate Program: Beginner Course

Trademark Administrators Certificate Program: Beginner Course

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    • Non-Member - $250
    • Corporate Member - $150
    • Associate Member - $150
    • Government - $125
    • Nonprofit - $125
    • Student Member - $100
    • Professor Member - $100
    • Honorary Member - $125
    • Emeritus Member - $125
    • Strategic Partner Member - $150

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The Beginner Course of the Trademark Administrators (TMA) Certificate Program is primarily designed for early-career TMAs to advance their knowledge and further their professional development. Young practitioners and attorneys looking for more cross-functional experience in intellectual property (IP) will also benefit from this course.

The Course is divided into eight chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of IP and trademark administration:

  • Chapter 1: Introduction to Intellectual Property 
  • Chapter 2: Role of a Trademark Administrator
  • Chapter 3: Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights
  • Chapter 4: Intellectual Property Protection
  • Chapter 5: TMA Tools and Tech
  • Chapter 6: Trademarks
  • Chapter 7: Have You Got the Right Skills
  • Chapter 8: That's a Wrap - Key Takeaways

Guided by our expert member instructors, you can anticipate gaining invaluable insights into the following topics:

  • What IP is, the different types of IP, and why IP is important.
  • The role of a TMA in different workplace settings.
  • How IP rights are obtained and the benefits of protecting them.
  • The importance of monitoring IP rights, practical tools for monitoring, and enforcement strategies.
  • The key technological tools that TMAs should be familiar with.
  • The different types of trademarks, the advantages of trademark registration, and how to access and review IP office records.
  • The necessary skills to be a successful TMA.

Key:

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Course Introduction
Course Introduction
Open to view video.  |  3 minutes
Open to view video.  |  3 minutes Welcome to the Trademark Administrators Certificate Program Beginner Course!
You must register to access.
Academic Honesty Statement
Agree to terms to continue.
Agree to terms to continue.
You must register to access.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Intellectual Property
Introduction to Intellectual Property
Open to view video.  |  13 minutes
Open to view video.  |  13 minutes This Chapter covers what intellectual property (IP) is at a high level, explaining the different types and why IP is important. You will walk away with a basic understanding of IP, which will help set you up with the foundation for the subsequent Chapters in this course.
You must register to access.
Introduction to Intellectual Property: Quiz
Introduction to Intellectual Property: Quiz
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  4/5 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  4/5 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 2: Role of a Trademark Administrator
Role of a Trademark Administrator
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes
Open to view video.  |  25 minutes This Chapter covers what a Trademark Administrator (TMA) is, the difference between in-house and private practice, the day-to-day work of a TMA, and the ethics of trademark administration. At the end of this Chapter, you should walk away with an understanding of the role of a TMA in different workplace settings and the proper conduct expected of someone in that role.
You must register to access.
Role of a Trademark Administrator: Quiz
Role of a Trademark Administrator: Quiz
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 3: Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights
Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights
Open to view video.  |  47 minutes
Open to view video.  |  47 minutes This Chapter provides an introduction into how intellectual property (IP) rights are obtained. It covers the various types of IP (i.e., trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets, industrial designs, geographical indications, and domain names) and discusses the benefits of protecting such rights.
You must register to access.
Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights: Quiz
Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights: Quiz
16 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  18/23 points to pass
16 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  18/23 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 4: Intellectual Property Protection
Intellectual Property Protection
Open to view video.  |  67 minutes
Open to view video.  |  67 minutes This Chapter introduces intellectual property (IP) protection, exploring its importance and the risks that IP rights holders face. It covers the crucial task of monitoring and enforcing IP rights locally and internationally. By the end of this Chapter, you should have a clearer understanding of why it is vital to protect IP rights, know some practical tools for monitoring them, understand various enforcement strategies, and start thinking globally about IP rights.
You must register to access.
Intellectual Property Protection: Quiz
Intellectual Property Protection: Quiz
14 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  12/16 points to pass
14 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  12/16 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 5: TMA Tools and Tech
TMA Tools and Tech
Open to view video.  |  50 minutes
Open to view video.  |  50 minutes This Chapter will cover how technology impacts the role of Trademark Administrators (TMAs) and the key tech tools that TMAs should be familiar with as part of their role. It discusses the key legal tech that supports and is essential to TMAs work, trademark search tools, technology that supports legal research, and a brief overview of legal ethics.
You must register to access.
TMA Tools and Tech: Quiz
TMA Tools and Tech: Quiz
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 6: Trademarks
Trademarks
Open to view video.  |  45 minutes
Open to view video.  |  45 minutes This Chapter covers the different types of trademarks, the benefits of registration, and a review of official intellectual property office records. You will walk away with an understanding of how to identify the different types of trademarks, the advantages of a trademark registration, and how to access and review records held by intellectual property offices.
You must register to access.
Trademarks: Quiz
Trademarks: Quiz
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
8 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 7: Have You Got the Right Skills
Have You Got The Right Skills
Open to view video.  |  18 minutes
Open to view video.  |  18 minutes This Chapter walks through the skills necessary to be a successful Trademark Administrator (TMA). It covers the essentials of time management, communication, teamwork, patience, and flexibility.​ By the end of this Chapter, you will have a better understanding of what soft skills are vital in a TMA role​ and the benefits of developing each skill.
You must register to access.
Have You Got the Right Skills: Quiz
Have You Got the Right Skills: Quiz
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  6/8 points to pass
You must register to access.
Chapter 8: That's a Wrap - Key Takeaways
That's a Wrap - Key Takeaways
Open to view video.  |  9 minutes
Open to view video.  |  9 minutes This Chapter goes over the key takeaways from each of the prior Chapters, discusses the various INTA resources that are available to INTA Members, and previews what is to come in the Intermediate Course of the TMA Certificate Program.
You must register to access.
Course Conclusion
Course Conclusion
Open to view video.  |  2 minutes
Open to view video.  |  2 minutes
You must register to access.
Beginner Course: Certificate
Beginner Course: Certificate
No credits available  |  Certificate available
Badge available
No credits available  |  Certificate available
Badge available
You must register to access.
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Gernez Owens, NBC Universal (USA)
Trademark Administrators Certificate Program Director

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Emily Quackenbush, Perkins Coie LLP (USA)
Trademark Administrators Certificate Program Director

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Rosa Jimenez, Travel + Leisure Co. (USA)
Trademark Administrators Certificate Program Curriculum Development Lead

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Leyla Harper-Dominique, Ideas IPS (Haiti)
Trademark Administrators Certificate Program Curriculum Development Lead

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Kara Fielder, Worldpay (USA)
Trademark Administrators Committee Chair

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Nehal Madhani, Alt Legal (USA)
Trademark Administrators Committee Vice-Chair

Tracy Cooke

Trademark Paralegal Manager

Microsoft Corporation (USA)

Tracy Cooke is the Paralegal Manager on Microsoft’s Global Trademark team.  She has nearly two decades of experience in global trademark practices with a passion for branding and operational excellence.  Supporting some of the world’s most valuable brands during her tenures at Tempur-Pedic, Amazon, EA, and now Microsoft, she excels at overseeing complex workflows and delivering strategic client-focused results.  Known for effective communication, presentation, and analytical skills, Tracy navigates the intersection of legal risks and business interests.  As a team leader, she collaborates with a diverse network of partners, internally and externally; providing education, advising on trademark policies and practices, developing budgets and operational efficiencies, and staying abreast of industry trends.  Tracy holds a BBA from Baylor University with a minor in Neuroscience.  Currently, she is serving as Co-Chair for the Development Subcommittee of the Trademark Administrators Committee.

Kara Fielder

Senior Intellectual Property Manager

Worldpay (USA)

Kara Fielder is the Senior IP Manager at Worldpay. With 20+ years of experience in the legal field, Kara has extensive experience in the area of trademark administration. Prior to her current role, Kara was the Global IP Manager at The Hershey Company. At Hershey, in addition to managing the company’s large global trademark portfolio, Kara managed Hershey’s IP paralegals, docketing team, outside counsel, and vendors. Kara is actively involved with the International Trademark Association (INTA) and is currently serving as the Chair of INTA’s Trademark Administrators Committee. She also serves as an Advisory Board member of Corsearch.

Rosa Jimenez

Manager, Legal – Intellectual Property

Travel + Leisure Co. (USA)

Rosa Jimenez is Intellectual Property Manager at Travel + Leisure Co., where she’s responsible for the management and protection of the company’s global intellectual property portfolio, trademark clearance and registration, trademark enforcement and protection, as well as intellectual property due diligence arising from corporate transactions. She has over 23 years of experience as a trademark professional.

Rosa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a Masters of Legal Studies from Arizona State University. She was born in Puerto Rico and loves spending time with her family, running, and reading.

Elyssa LeFevre Chayo

CEO

Firm Forward, LLC (USA)

Elyssa, CEO of Firm Forward, leverages her extensive IP and legal administration experience to provide strategic guidance to law firms globally. Starting as a trademark paralegal, she managed IP portfolios for renowned brands before launching Firm Forward in 2014. With her unique insights from the corporate sector, she aims to elevate business development and marketing strategies for law firms worldwide.

Jennifer Lynch

Assistant Manager of Trademark Paralegals and Assistants

Fish & Richardson P.C. (USA)

Jennifer has worked in the IP field for 20+ years and is currently the Assistant Manager of TM Paralegals and Assistants at Fish & Richardson P.C. She has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Emmanuel College, in Boston. In her free time, Jen can be found at her son’s wrestling meets, traveling, or just spending time with family and friends.

Nehal Madhani

CEO

Alt Legal (USA)

Nehal Madhani is the founder and CEO of Alt Legal, a company whose cloud-based IP docketing software supports thousands of organizations in preparing, managing, and monitoring millions of IP filings and deadlines daily. Before starting Alt Legal, Nehal practiced as an attorney at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP. He is the vice chair of the International Trademark Association Trademark Administrators Committee and a member of the USPTO Trademark Public Advisory Committee. Nehal has a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, a Certificate in Business and Public Policy from the Wharton School of Business, and a B.A. from Northwestern University.

Jennifer McKay

Counsel

Dentons Canada LLP (Canada)

Jennifer McKay is a counsel in Dentons’ Intellectual Property group. Jennifer is an intellectual property lawyer based in Ottawa with significant experience in managing both contentious and non-contentious trademark matters. Her areas of expertise include registration, licensing, opposition, availability opinions, transfers, domain names, summary cancellation proceedings and litigation. Jennifer’s clients range from start-ups and SMEs to Fortune 500 companies operating in a variety of industries including, fintech, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, banking, and energy.

Emily Quackenbush

Senior Paralegal

Perkins Coie LLP (USA)

Emily Quackenbush has 25+ years of trademark experience working in both the law firm and in-house environments.  While currently holding a Senior Trademark Position with a leading law firm, her experience also includes positions such as Trademark and Branding Portfolio Management and Director of Intellectual Property as well.  Emily works very closely with clients to ensure the best possible trademark service and brand protection.   

Emily is Director, TMA Certificate Program within the Trademark Administrators Committee.  She has served on INTA’s Trademark Administrators Committee for various terms dating back to 2014, while also having previously served on the Leadership Development Committee.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Intellectual Property

Stephen Casali, Munck Wilson Mandala (USA)
Gabrielle Mizen, Berdou Attorneys (South Africa)
Mary Thomas, Mary Thomas IP Strategies & Solutions (Malaysia)
Kara Fielder, Worldpay (USA)

Chapter 2: Role of a Trademark Administrator

Deborah Brincat, Dennemeyer & Cie Sàrl (France)
Rebecca Crawford, KOCH (USA)
Emily Quackenbush, Perkins Coie LLP (USA)
Audrey Wilkins, Cowan DeBaets Abrahams & Sheppard LLP (USA)

Chapter 3: Introduction to Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights

Deborah Brincat, Dennemeyer & Cie Sàrl (France)
Stephen Casali, Munck Wilson Mandala (USA)
Tracy Cooke, Microsoft (USA)
Steven Cooper, Ware, Fressola, Maguire & Barber LLP (USA)
Robert Cumming, Appleyard Lees (United Kingdom)
Rosa Jimenez, Travel + Leisure Co. (USA)
Paul McGrady, Elster & McGrady (USA)
Megan Stevland, Duane Morris LLP (USA)
Judy Yolles, Caribbean IP (USA)

Chapter 4: Intellectual Property Protection

Elyssa LeFevre Chayo, Firm Forward, LLC (USA)
Rachael Lodge Corrie, Foga Daley Attorneys-at-Law (Jamaica)
Kelly Kleinwachter, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP (USA)
Jennifer McKay, Dentons Canada LLC (Canada)
Amy Weber, WeberMark, LLC (USA)
Audrey Wilkins, Cowan DeBaets Abrahams & Sheppard LLP (USA)

Chapter 5: TMA Tools and Tech

Deborah Brincat, Dennemeyer & Cie Sàrl (France)
Samantha Crellin, WebTMS (United Kingdom)
Leyla Harper-Dominique, Ideas IPS (Haiti)
Nehal Madhani, Alt Legal (USA)

Chapter 6: Trademarks

Bahia Al Yafi, Alyafi IP Group (UAE)
Kara Fielder, Worldpay (USA)
Dan Hardman-Smart, Stobbs IP Limited (United Kingdom)
Elyssa LeFevre Chayo, Firm Forward, LLC (USA)
Dash McLean, Greenberg Traurig, LLP (USA)

Chapter 7: Have You Got the Right Skills

Jennifer Lynch, Fish & Richardson P.C. (USA)
Emily Quackenbush, Perkins Coie LLP (USA)
Audrey Wilkins, Cowan DeBaets Abrahams & Sheppard LLP (USA)
Judy Yolles, Caribbean IP (USA)

Chapter 8: That's a Wrap - Key Takeaways

Tracy Cooke, Microsoft (USA)
Gabrielle Mizen, Berdou Attorneys (South Africa)
Gernez Owens, NBCUniversal Media, LLC (USA)
Mary Thomas, Mary Thomas IP Strategies & Solutions (Malaysia)

Copyright Language

Copyright © 2024 International Trademark Association. All rights reserved. No part of this certificate program may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Representations and Warranties 

This training has been developed by the member volunteers of the 2024-2025 Trademark Administrators Committee. It has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this training without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this training, and, to the extent permitted by law, INTA does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this training or for any decision based on it. The conferring of the certificate to an individual by INTA represents the completion of the requisite training hours prescribed in the training, the completion of quizzes and/or exercises after each Chapter, and attaining a passing grade of 75% and above.