Brexit And IP Rights Update

While uncertainty remains over whether or not the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the UK and the EU last week will pass the UK Parliament and be enacted, the positive indications on the future of intellectual property rights in the UK are to be welcomed.

As has previously been indicated, and written about here, the agreement confirms that holders of EU Trade Marks on the date of Britain's leaving the EU, will become the holder of an comparable right in the UK 'without any re-examination'. Separately, the UK Intellectual Property Office has indicated that it is confident of being able to process the new rights.

The agreements gives similar re-assurances for those in the UK who currently hold EU Design Rights (registered community designs) and geographical indications.