Brexit News
Great Britain and the European Union have ratified the Brexit agreement. The document allows the United Kingdom to leave the EU on January 31, 2020.
From that date, a transition period will begin, lasting from February 1 to December 31 2020, during which EU law will continue to apply in Great Britain.
The Intellectual Property system will remain unchanged until the end of this year. During the transitional period all Community Trademarks and Designs registered with the EUIPO or the WIPO procedure will continue to produce their effects in the United Kingdom.
After December 31, 2020 the continuation of the effects of the industrial property rights acquired will in any case be guaranteed: the Trademarks and Designs already registered will be “transformed” into national rights with effect in Great Britain. As regards pending applications, the possibility of conversion into national rights could be allowed, upon payment of a fee.
However, in the course of 2020, the UK Patent and Trademark Office will provide guidance to ensure that rights are maintained and we will promptly update this information.
