Brexit

Your IP Rights in Europe post Brexit

From 1 January 2021 the UK will no longer be part of EU IP systems. UK intellectual property rights will now co-exist alongside EU and national IP systems in Europe and the European Union.

As a European firm, HGF will continue to advise and to act for our clients in all aspects of patents, trade marks and designs across Europe. HGF will work with our clients to put in place strategies to address the changing IP landscape in Europe.

The headline points

The headline points to note in respect of IP rights post-Brexit are that:

  • UK national IP Rights will not be affected by the UK’s exit from EU
  • Patents obtained via the EPO (which is not an EU institution) will not be affected by UK exit from the EU
  • Comparable UK trade mark and design rights will be created under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement. On 1 January 2021, the UKIPO created a comparable UK trade mark and design for every registered EU trade mark (EUTM) and Registered Community design (RCD).

HGF continue to represent clients for all matters before the EPO and EUIPO in respect of European IP rights, as well as before national IP offices where we operate.

If you have any questions or concerns about IP Rights, or would like further advice on this matter, please contact your usual HGF attorney.

Discover the Brexit impact on:

Latest News

Event - 27th October 2026

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Event - 14th October 2026

Seminar on the new EU Pharma Package and its implications for regulatory exclusivities in the EU.

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Event - 28th October 2026

HGF Attending BMCS Antibody–Drug Conjugates 2026

HGF is pleased to announce that Dr Thomas Lonsdale, Patent Director, will be attending the BMCS Antibody–Drug Conjugates 2026 meeting, taking place on 19 November 2026 at GSK, Stevenage, UK. …

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Event - 28th October 2026

HGF Attending the KINPA Conference 2026

HGF is pleased to be attending the KINPA Conference 2026, taking place on 28 October in Seoul, South Korea. Recognised as Korea’s largest intellectual property gathering, the conference brings together …

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Event - 17th - 19th November 2026

HGF Attending IPBC Asia 2026

HGF is pleased to announce that Partner, Dr Jennifer Uno, will be attending IPBC Asia 2026, taking place from 17-19 November 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. The event is one of …

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Event - 4th November 2026

IAM Navigating the UPC conference

HGF are gold sponsors of the IAM Live Navigating the UPC conference. IAM Live: Navigating the UPC returns to Paris in November bringing together over 180 industry leaders for an …

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Event - 12th October 2026

HGF to attend Festival of Biologics 2026

HGF is pleased to announce that Frédéric Didelon, Partner and European Patent Attorney in our Life Sciences team, will be attending the Festival of Biologics, taking place 13-15 October 2026 …

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If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our specialists.