Guidance Changes to international trade mark registrations International trade mark registrations protected in the EU under the Madrid Protocol will no longer enjoy protection in the UK after 1 January 2021. From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service Published 4 January 2020 Last updated 27 September 2021 — See all updates Contents Comparable trade mark (IR) Effect […]
Category: Intellectual Property
Exhaustion of IP Rights
Guidance Exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade Actions that parallel exporters to the EEA and intellectual property rights holders need to take. From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 21 June 2021 — See all updates Contents Parallel exports from the UK to the EEA Actions for parallel exporters of […]
Intellectual Property EU UK Agreement
TITLE V: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Chapter 1: General provisions Article IP.1: Objectives The objectives of this Title are to: (a) facilitate the production, provision and commercialisation of innovative and creative products and services between the Parties by reducing distortions and impediments to such trade, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive economy; and (b) ensure […]
EU & Copyright
Enhancements EU legislation has provided for various enhancements and harmonization of the rights of various copyright holders. Directive includes extensions in relation legal protection of computer programs. resale rights rental and lending rights relating to copyright in the field of intellectual property. computer programme protection copyright and related rights applicable to broadcast programs by satellite […]
EU & Trademarks
European Trademark The European Community Trademark allows for a single unitary trademark enforceable directly throughout the EU. It is necessary to register the trademark. It may consist of signs capable of being represented graphically including names, designs, letters, numerals, the shape of goods or packaging. The signs must be capable of distinguishing the goods and […]
EU & Patents
European Patents The European Union has been active in harmonizing intellectual property rights. It has provided for a Community Trademark and European Patent in tandem with national intellectual property rules. It has also provided for minimum protections in respect of certain aspects of intellectual property. It has also been at the forefront of extending intellectual […]
EU & Trade Secrets
Protecting Undisclosed Trade Secrets AN EU directive protects of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure Acquiring a trade secret is considered lawful if it is obtained by: independent discovery or creation; observation, study, disassembly or testing of a product or object that has been made available to […]
Intellectual Property Enforcement
Enforcement An EU directive provides for harmonization of the enforcement of intellectual property rights. The purpose is to create a level playing field in relation to such rights. The directive applies to any infringement of intellectual property rights as provided for under EU or national law. It does not affect the substantive intellectual property rights. […]
EU Agricultural Designations
Traditional Specialty Guaranteed Agricultural products intended for human consumption or foodstuff with a traditional composition produced in accordance with traditional production methods may become a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed. The designation as a TSH boosts farmers income and is seen as positive in maintaining rural areas. The TSGs are recognized at the community level and entered […]
EU & Miscellaneous IP Rights
Semi-Conductors The directive on the legal protection of semiconductor products requires member states to adopt legislation to protect them insofar as they are the result of the creator’s intellectual effort and not commonplace in the industry. The protection is granted to the person who created the topography subject to them being a person who is […]
International Designs UK 2021 Guidance
Guidance International EU protected designs Changes for businesses and holders of international EU protected designs. From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service Published: 24 February 2021 Contents Creation of the re-registered international design Numbering of re-registered international design Pending applications Opt-out of holding a re-registered international design Renewals and restoration Deferred publication Print this page Protected […]
Trade Marks UK No Deal Notes
Purpose If the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal, find out how this would affect: registered Community designs unregistered Community designs correspondence addresses and confidentiality for UK trade marks and designs Continued protection of registered trade marks and designs in the UK Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) EU trade marks and registered […]
Patents UK No Deal Notes
Purpose If the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal, find out in this notice how this would affect: the UK patent system and supplementary protection certificates the Unified Patent Court and unitary patent correspondence addresses and confidentiality for UK patents Patents and supplementary protection certificates Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) Only a […]
IP Rights Exhaustion UK No Deal Notes
Purpose If the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal, find out in this notice how this would affect the exhaustion of intellectual property rights. Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) Intellectual property rights give the business, organisation or individual that holds the rights (the right holder) certain exclusive entitlements, which include the right […]
Copyright UK No Deal Notes
Purpose If the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal, find out in this notice how this would affect cross border copyright. Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) The UK and other EU member states are party to the main international treaties on copyright and related rights. Under the rules of these treaties, countries […]
Geographical Indications UK No Deal Notes
Purpose This notice informs UK producers about what might happen to geographical indication (GI) protection, and action they may wish to consider taking, should the UK leave the EU in March 2019 without a deal. Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) Producers in the EU can protect the names of their products under GI regulations put in […]
International Trade Marks UK Post-Deal Guidance
Guidance Changes to international trade mark registrations after 1 January 2021 International trade mark registrations protected in the EU under the Madrid Protocol will no longer enjoy protection in the UK after 1 January 2021. Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 21 January 2021 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service Contents Comparable […]
EU IP Protection in UK Post-Deal Guidance
Guidance Retaining protection in the UK for EU Intellectual Property rights Published 4 January 2021 Contents UK registration numbers for the equivalent rights Trade Marks Registered Designs Opting out of a comparable UK registration Further information Print this page The Transition Period relating to the UK’s exit from the European Union will end on 31 […]
Copyright Changes UK Post-Deal Guidance
Guidance Changes to copyright law from 1 January 2021 This guidance covers the impacts on UK right holders and users including businesses, cultural heritage institutions and consumers. It is not legal advice. Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 4 January 2021 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service Contents Background Protection of UK […]
Plant Variety Notes UK No Deal Notes
Purpose This notice sets out how trade in seed and propagating material between the UK and the EU would be affected if the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal, and how plant breeders would be able to protect their intellectual property. Before March 2019 Plant variety rights Plant variety rights are […]
Intellectual Property Guidance
Guidance Intellectual property after Brexit Parts of UK intellectual property (IP) law will change when the UK leaves the EU. Published 1 February 2019 From: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Contents What your business needs to do now How this will affect your business if there’s a deal How this will affect your […]
Food and Drink Names Guidance
Protecting food and drink names if there’s no Brexit deal What food and drink producers with ‘geographical indication’ (GI) protection need to know if the UK leaves the EU with no deal. Published 5 February 2019 From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Contents Rules from 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) Use of UK GI logos […]
IP and Brexit Guidance
Guidance IP and Brexit Updated 1 March 2019 Contents Statutory legislation and business guidance Copyright and related rights Trade marks Designs Patents Copyright Enforcement Exhaustion of IP rights This guide offers information on the future of intellectual property (IP) laws following the decision that the UK will leave the European Union (EU). The Intellectual Property […]
Trade Marks and Designs (No Deal)
Trade marks and designs if there’s no Brexit deal Updated 17 January 2019 Contents Purpose Continued protection of registered trade marks and designs in the UK Continued protection of unregistered Community designs Correspondence addresses and confidentiality for UK trade marks and designs More information Delivering the deal negotiated with the EU remains the government’s top […]
Irish IPO Office Notes
IP Rights in the EU & Brexit The European Commission has sought to clarify what the post Brexit situation will be through the publication of a range of sectorial Brexit Preparedness Notices. Firms are encouraged to review the Notices on IP matters EU trademarks & designs, Supplementary Protection Certificates (19/06/2018 update) and Plant Variety Rights and consider relevant actions that […]
UK Brexit Copyright Guidance
Guidance Changes to copyright law from 1 January 2021 This guidance covers the impacts on UK right holders, businesses, cultural heritage institutions and consumers. It is not legal advice. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from […]
UK Brexit Guidance Parallel Trade
Exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade from 1 January 2021 Actions that parallel exporters to the EEA and intellectual property rights holders will need to take after the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to […]
UK Brexit Guidance Patents
Guidance Changes to SPC and patent law from 1 January 2021 What will change and what will stay the same after the transition period in relation to Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) and patent law: information for businesses, legal representatives, and UK rights holders. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK […]
UK Brexit Designs + TM Guidance
Guidance Changes to EU and international designs and trade mark protection from 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses holding registered community designs and international trade marks and designs after the end of the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you […]
UK Brexit Trade Mark Guidance
EU trade mark protection and comparable UK trade marks from 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses and organisations holding EU trade marks at the end of the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from […]
Trade Mark Exit Regulations
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM TO THE TRADE MARKS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARKS (AMENDMENT) (EU EXIT) REGULATIONS 2021 ]2021 No. [XXXX] 1. Introduction 1.1 This explanatory memorandum has been prepared by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy and is laid before Parliament by Act. 1.2 This memorandum […]
EU Withdrawal Note IP Customs Enforcement
NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS The United Kingdom submitted on 29 March 2017 the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This means that, unless a ratified […]
EU Withdrawal Note Supplementary Certificates
Brussels, 27 April 2018 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS SUPPLEMENTARY PROTECTION CERTIFICATES FOR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS AND PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS The United Kingdom submitted on 29 March 2017 the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This means that, unless a ratified withdrawal agreement1 establishes another […]
EU Withdrawal Note Trade Mark & Designs
EUROPEAN COMMISSION NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS TRADEMARKS AND COMMUNITY DESIGNS PURSUANT TO REGULATION (EU) 2017/1001 ON THE EUROPEAN UNION TRADE MARK AND REGULATION (EC) NO 6/2002 ON COMMUNITY DESIGNS The United Kingdom submitted on 29 March 2017 the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European […]
EU Withdrawal Note Copyright
Brussels, 28 March 2018 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS RULES IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT The United Kingdom submitted on 29 March 2017 the notification of its intention to withdraw from the Union pursuant to Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. This means that, unless a ratified withdrawal agreement1 establishes another date, all Union primary […]
Testing Plant Varieties
DUS protocols for testing plant varieties Protocols and procedures for testing the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) of certain agricultural and vegetable plants. From: Animal and Plant Health Agency Published 16 June 2014 Last updated 30 September 2021 — See all updates Contents DUS tests DUS criteria DUS protocols Print this page The EU does not accept UK distinctiveness, uniformity […]
Trade Mark Designs Issues 2021 UK Guidance
Changes to EU and international designs and trade mark protection from 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses holding registered Community designs and international trade marks and designs after the end of the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 26 June 2020 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has […]
EU Design Rights Issues 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance EU and international designs after 1 January 2021: legal issues for right holders What to do if you have pending court proceedings and other legal issues. Published 18 October 2019 Last updated 26 June 2020 — The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January […]
EU Protected Designs 2021 UK Guidance
International EU protected designs after 1 January 2021 Changes for businesses and holders of international EU protected designs after 1 January 2021. Published 18 October 2019 Last updated 26 June 2020 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 […]
Trade Mark Registration 2021 UK Guidance
Changes to international trade mark registrations after 1 January 2021 International trade mark registrations protected in the EU under the Madrid Protocol will no longer enjoy protection in the UK after 1 January 2021. Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 26 June 2020 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has […]
Plant Variety Rights 2021 UK Guidance
Plant variety rights and marketing plant reproductive material from 1 January 2021 What businesses need to do to apply for plant variety rights and market plant reproductive material, seeds and other propagating material from 1 January 2021. Published 18 March 2019 Last updated 13 May 2020 — see all updates From: Department for Environment, Food & […]
Patents and SPC 2021 UK Guidance
Changes to SPC and patent law from 1 January 2021 What will change and what will stay the same after the transition period in relation to Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) and patent law: information for businesses, legal representatives, and UK rights holders. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has […]
Exhaustion IP Rights 2021 UK Guidance
Exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade from 1 January 2021 Actions that parallel exporters to the EEA and intellectual property rights holders will need to take after the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to […]
Copyright Changes 2021 UK Guidance
Changes to copyright law from 1 January 2021 This guidance covers the impacts on UK right holders, businesses, cultural heritage institutions and consumers. It is not legal advice. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 […]
Copyright Management 2021 UK Guidance
Collective rights management from 1 January 2021 EEA collective management organisations may not automatically represent UK right holders and collective management organisations from 1 January 2021. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. […]
Portability of Content 2021 UK Guidance
Cross-border portability of online content services from 1 January 2021 The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It’ll be updated if anything changes. For current information, read: Cross-border portability of online content services You can also read about the transition period. Contents Cross-border portability from […]
Database Right 2021 UK Guidance
Sui generis database rights from 1 January 2021 The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It’ll be updated if anything changes. For current information, read: Protection of databases You can also read about the transition period. Contents Background Database rights from 1 January 2021 Existing […]
Designs 2021 UK Guidance
Changes to unregistered designs from 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses who have unregistered Community designs. Published 30 January 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service The UK has left the EU This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It’ll be updated if anything changes. For current information, read: Protecting […]
Trade Marks 2021 UK Guidance
EU trade mark protection and comparable UK trade marks from 1 January 20 You can apply to: IPO to register a UK trade mark EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to register an EU trade mark (EUTM) From the 1 January 2021, EUTMs will no longer protect trade marks in the UK. Under the Withdrawal Agreement Act, on the 1 January 2021, […]
IP Enforcement EU Guidance 2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION Brussels, 17 August 2020 REV2 – replaces the notice (REV1) dated 4 June 2018 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Since 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union […]
Supplementary Protection EU Guidance 2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR INTERNAL MARKET, INDUSTRY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMES Brussels, 15 June 2020 REV2 – replaces the notice (REV1) dated 27 April 2018 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROTECTION CERTIFICATES FOR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS AND PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS Since 1 February 2020, the United […]
Trade Marks & Designs EU Guidance 2021
Brussels, 18 June 2020 REV2 – replaces the notice (REV1) dated 22 January 2018 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF EUROPEAN UNION TRADE MARKS AND COMMUNITY DESIGNS Since 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union and has become a “third country”.1 […]
Geographical Indications Origin EU Guidance 2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Brussels, 6 July 2020 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS Since 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union and has become a “third country”.1 The Withdrawal Agreement2 provides for a transition […]
Exhaustion IP Right EU Guidance 2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, CONTENT AND TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR INTERNAL MARKET, INDUSTRY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMES Brussels, 25 June 2020 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF EXHAUSTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Since 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom has […]
Copyright EU Guidance 2021
EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, CONTENT AND TECHNOLOGY Brussels, 23 June 2020 REV3 – replaces the notice (REV2) dated 22 November 2019 NOTICE TO STAKEHOLDERS WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EU RULES IN THE FIELD OF COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS Since 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the European Union and […]
Trade Mark Geo Indications 2021 UK Guidance
Trade marks and geographical indications after 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses and organisations on the relationship between trade marks and geographical indications (GIs) at the end of the transition period. Published 17 December 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office Contents GI protection in the UK after 1 January 2021 The relationship between trade marks and […]
Supplementary Certificates IP 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Supplementary protection certificates from 1 January 2021 On 1 January 2021, there will be some changes to how the supplementary protection certificate (SPC) system operates. This guidance explains the changes, and what you need to do differently as a result. Published 15 December 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office Contents What is changing Why it […]
EU Trade Mark & Designs 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Changes to EU and international designs and trade mark protection from 1 January 2021 Guidance for businesses holding registered Community designs and international trade marks and designs after the end of the transition period. Published 30 January 2020 Last updated 3 December 2020 — see all updates From: Intellectual Property Office and Government Digital Service New rules […]
Address for Service IP Rights 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Address for service for intellectual property rights from 1 January 2021 The rules governing address for service for intellectual property rights in the UK are changing. Published 23 November 2020 From: Intellectual Property Office Contents Actions on or after 1 January 2021 Actions started before 1 January 2021 Miscellaneous information Print this page An […]
Food & Drink Names 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Protecting food and drink names from 1 January 2021 What food and drink producers with ‘geographical indication’ (GI) protection need to know from 1 January 2021. Published 13 October 2020 From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs New rules for January 2021 The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after […]
Plant Variety Rights 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Plant variety rights and marketing plant reproductive material from 1 January 2021 What businesses need to do to apply for plant variety rights and market plant reproductive material, seeds and other propagating material from 1 January 2021. Published 13 October 2020 From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs New rules for January 2021 […]
Copyright Misc Rights 2021 UK Guidance
Contents Actions for UK satellite broadcasters Broadcast of works transmitted into the UK The EU Satellite and Cable Directive provides a country-of-origin principle for licensing of copyright material in cross-border satellite broadcasts. This means that when a satellite broadcaster transmits a copyright work, eg a film, from one EEA (European Economic Area) state to another, they are […]
Food and Drink Names 2021 UK Guidance
Guidance Protecting food and drink names from 1 January 2021 What food and drink producers with ‘geographical indication’ (GI) protection need to know from 1 January 2021. Published 13 October 2020 Last updated 28 December 2020 — see all updates From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Brexit transition: new rules for 2021 The UK […]