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:

Trade marks
Patents
The UPC
Designs

Latest News

Celebrating Success - Director Promotions

We are delighted to announce that 9 of our team have been promoted to director effective from today, 1 December 2023. These promotions are effective from today, 1 December 2023 …

Read article

New Blog Series: IP Ingredients, Part 1: Can you patent a recipe?

A patent is a legal right that enables the patent holder to prevent others from making and using their invention in the country where the patent is granted.  To many …

Read article

High Court’s AI Patent Ruling: A Turning Point for the Patentability of AI?

A recent decision by the UK High Court has delivered a highly favourable verdict for AI innovators, which could change the way that the patentability of AI-related inventions is assessed …

Read article

PRESS RELEASE - HGF Appoints new Chair of the Board: Formerly Head of Engineering, Lucy Johnson

HGF announced a new Chair to its Management Board, Lucy Johnson. Lucy was previously head of the firm’s Engineering Group.  Effective immediately Lucy succeeds Jason Lumber who held the position …

Read article

New Practice at the EPO: Divisional Applications and Sequence Listings

Safeguard measure: Excess page fees on ST.25 sequence listings included as part of a divisional application to be waived by the EPO. Following the implementation of WIPO Sequence standard ST.26, …

Read article

HGF ranked band 1 in Chambers and Partners UK 2024

Chambers and Partners UK 2024 guide is now live. HGF is proud to be highly ranked as a firm and to have five Partners ranked as individuals. HGF is ranked …

Read article

IP for Space Sustainability: Are We Missing a Trick?

With the increasing focus on placing sustainability at the heart of innovation in the space sector,  exemplified by the launch of initiatives like Astra Carta, it’s clear that the space …

Read article

Mondaq awards HGF for thought leadership in Germany

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Bernhard Ganahl, Jan Robert Naefe and Dr Markus Zoller have been honoured with the Mondaq Thought Leadership Award for Food, Drugs, Healthcare, and Life …

Read article
See all updates

Let's talk

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

Contact us