Brexit – A Summary For IP Owners

On Thursday 23 June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union by a majority of 52/48%. There is significant uncertainty about what the future holds for the UK, both in the short-term whilst the withdrawal process is negotiated and in the long term post-Brexit. Whilst the referendum result is not legally binding, the UK government has indicated that it will enforce the decision to exit the EU. A notification under Article 50 (which triggers the exit process for an EU member state) has yet to be made. However, the indications are that an Article 50 notice will be issued a some stage, triggering the exit of the UK from the EU.

What next?

Much will depend on the model chosen for the future relationship between the UK and the EU.