Basic Info

We’re a global association of brand owners and professionals dedicated to supporting trademarks and related intellectual property (IP) to foster consumer trust, economic growth, and innovation.

As a not-for-profit association, our role is to serve our members, the profession, and society as a trusted and influential advocate for the economic and social value of brands.

We were founded in 1878 by 17 merchants and manufacturers who saw a need for an organization “to protect and promote the rights of trademark owners, to secure useful legislation, and to give aid and encouragement to all efforts for the advancement and observance of trademark rights.” Since then, we have grown into a global community, with members around the world and offices in multiple regions.