On 23 June 2016, the UK population voted for the UK to leave the European Union. Ongoing negotiations between the UK and the European Union (EU) have been the focus of much attention in the media both in the UK and abroad.
At present, UK parliament have rejected the Brexit withdrawal agreement three times and have yet to decide on a course of action. This ever-changing situation surrounding Brexit has garnered much attention regarding the patent system in the UK and Europe. Most recently, the EU granted the UK a six month extension to complete negotiations of the terms of withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The new deadline is now 31 October 2019.
As intellectual property specialists will know, the European Patent Convention (EPC) governed by the European Patent Office (EPO) is not linked to the EU. Brexit thus does not have any effect on the European patent system and European patent attorneys who operate in the UK are unaffected and can continue to serve their clients. This remains the case whether there is a deal or no deal with the European Union. Any clients requiring further information or reassurance from Avidity IP can contact their representative attorney at any time.