A new guide has been produced by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in an attempt to dispel Brexit uncertainties surrounding the UK’s role in EU intellectual property legislation.
In a comprehensive report, the IPO has confirmed that both Registered Community Designs (RCD) and EU Trade Marks (EUTM) will continue to remain valid in the UK until it officially leaves the EU.
“While the UK remains in the EU, our copyright laws will continue to comply with the EU copyright directives, and we will continue to participate in EU negotiations”, the statement read.
It added: “The continued effect of EU directives and regulations following our exit from the EU will depend on the terms of our future relationship”.
The IPO report said the current UK enforcement framework would remain unchanged, and it will only discuss reform after a formal exit.
“We are still part of the EU and we will still play a part at the EUIPOs Observatory, and in bodies like Europol. The process for intercepting counterfeits and other infringing goods at the border remains unchanged,” the statement read.
“We will continue to play an active role in the review of the Enforcement Directive, and the Commission’s work on tackling commercial-scale infringement”.
Claiming a brighter future, where “legitimate businesses thrive and consumers are protected”, the IPO statement is an appropriate bid to ensure the protection of Intellectual Property in a post-Brexit UK.
BJ Chong, a partner and intellectual property legal expert with Palmers, said “Businesses need to prepare for Brexit when it happens but in the short term the message is very much ‘business as usual.’ The team at Palmers will be watching developments closely in the months ahead and will be on hand to guide businesses so that their IP rights are properly protected and compliant with any legislative changes which result from Brexit.”
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