Maria Muntean
Maria advises clients, from innovative start-ups to global market leaders, on building, protecting and enforcing trade marks and other brand assets to drive long-term value and commercial success.
Maria supports clients across sectors including automotive, food and drink, creative industries and life sciences. She works with early-stage businesses, SMEs and in-house legal teams at multinational companies to deliver strategic advice on brand protection, enforcement and portfolio management.
She also advises on brand clearance and protection in overseas markets, particularly for businesses looking to expand or export internationally.
Maria takes time to understand each client’s business and priorities, ensuring her advice aligns with their commercial goals. Because intellectual property can be complex, especially for early-stage businesses, she focuses on delivering clear, practical guidance to support decision-making in fast-paced environments.
Maria is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) and volunteers with CITMA’s free online advice clinic, helping individuals and small business owners navigate their IP challenges.
- Advising on trade mark clearance, availability and pre-filing strategy to support informed, risk-aware branding decisions
- Managing UK and international trade mark portfolios to ensure consistent protection aligned with clients’ commercial objectives
- Responding to technical and third-party objections, and guiding clients through UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) proceedings including oppositions and cancellations
- Negotiating pragmatic settlements to resolve disputes efficiently and protect long-term brand value
- Working closely with foreign counsel to coordinate cross-border filings, enforcement and dispute resolution strategies
- Supporting anti-counterfeiting efforts through online brand protection and Customs Applications for Action (AFAs)
Industries
- UK Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
- Professional Certificate in Trade Mark Practice, Nottingham Trent University
- Postgraduate Certificate in Trade Mark Law, Queen Mary University of London
- LLM, Intellectual Property Law, University of Manchester
- LLB, Law, Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA)
About Maria
Experience
Areas of expertise
Qualifications
Testimonials
Awards
How We Live Our Values: Ambition
I’ve always been driven to understand not just what something is but why it’s that way and how it fits into the bigger picture. That mindset really comes into play when I’m speaking with clients. I enjoy learning about the journey behind their business, where they’ve come from, where they want to go, and using that insight to shape IP strategies that support their goals. I do that by asking the right questions, listening closely and connecting the dots in a way that adds real value.
In My Own Words
What drew me to trade mark law was the fact that it felt like the fun part of law. It is creative, strategic and full of grey areas that challenge you to think differently. I’ve always enjoyed the puzzle of it. One detail can shift the whole picture, and you can build strong arguments around what makes a brand distinctive or memorable.
Working with such a wide variety of clients keeps every day interesting. I love that I get to learn about different industries and help them protect something as valuable and personal as their brand.
I’m also really grateful for the team around me. The support and collaboration I’ve experienced have not only made me a better attorney, but a better person too.
.avif)