NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) -- September 29, 2006 -- The International Trademark Association (INTA) is pleased to announce the opening of its representative office in Brussels on October 16, 2006, and the appointment of Christina Sleszynska as its Europe Representative.

"INTA's international membership continues to grow and we've become more active regionally, particularly in Europe, so we felt it was the perfect time to open an office there," says INTA President Paul Reidl of E. & J. Gallo Winery. "With the success of the representative office INTA opened in Shanghai in 2003, we're confident this new office will provide great value to our members."

INTA's European membership has grown steadily over the past 10 years and now represents 24% of the INTA total membership, which has led the Association to intensify and diversify its activities and services in Europe.

During this time, INTA has been an active participant and contributor to the debates in Europe on trademark and IP related issues, such as the establishment of the Community Trade Mark and Design Systems, parallel imports, the enforcement of trademark rights, anti-counterfeiting, protection of non-traditional trademarks, trademark related regulatory schemes and geographical indications.

INTA has offered and will continue to offer a variety of educational opportunities in Europe such as the Enforcing Trademarks in China Forum in Brussels (September 2006) and IP Rights Enforcement: Protecting Product Configuration in Europe and Beyond Forum in Rome (December 2006), as well as its 2008 Annual Meeting in Berlin.

To manage these initiatives in Europe, INTA has appointed Christina Sleszynska. Mrs. Sleszynska has extensive experience in association management and representation before EU institutions. She has a master's degree in European Integration and a bachelor's degree in Politics and Public Affairs.

"Christina is very experienced at managing and developing European networks and associations," says INTA Executive Director Alan Drewsen. "We're very happy to have her on the ground in Europe, defending and fulfilling the interests of trademark owners."

With a staff based in Brussels, INTA adds significantly to the resources it has to represent its members before European Union and national policy makers and to continue to increase its services there, such as educational and networking opportunities.

For more information, contact INTA's External Relations Manager for Europe, Chehrazade Chemcham at +1-212-642-1738.

About INTA

The International Trademark Association (INTA), founded in 1878, is a not-for-profit membership association of more than 5,000 trademark owners and professionals, from more than 190 countries, dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property as elements of fair and effective national and international commerce. For information on the Association and its goals, visit www.inta.org.

INTA Public Relations
Justin Hajny
Marketing Coordinator
+ 1-212-642-1743
publicrelations@inta.org

Daryl G. Grecich, CAE
Director, Marketing and Communications
+ 1 (212) 642-1707

SOURCE: International Trademark Association