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Analysis of Impact of Brexit Vote on EU Intellectual Property Assets

June 24, 2016 by in General


Analysis of Impact of Brexit Vote on EU Intellectual Property Assets

SSJR, in consultation with colleagues in Europe, concluded that the United Kingdom Brexit referendum on membership in the EU will have no immediate impact on client European IP assets. European Union trademark registrations are expected to have effect in the UK for at least two more years. In the longer term, it is very likely that the UK will pass legislation to implement a procedure for recognition of EU trademarks and registered designs as UK trademarks and designs. Issued European Patents are not affected by the referendum since the European Patent Office is the product of its own treaty. However, the implementation of the EU European Unitary Patent planned for 2016 is likely to be delayed. SSJR will advise clients at the appropriate time when action is needed to preserve their IP rights.