CITMA: Why the UK is more than Brexit
The UK is and will remain a key global player in the protection of trademarks and other IP rights.
Brexit may have brought some uncertainty but there are many reasons the UK will continue to be an international hub for IP and why choosing the UK and a UK chartered trademark attorney is still a good choice.
According to the US Chamber of Commerce’s Global IP Index the UK has the best environment in the world for trademarks, demonstrating the value of the UK in the protection and exploitation of IP.
Strong infrastructure
The UK IP Office (UKIPO) is well respected throughout the world and praised for the high quality of the rights it grants. It’s straightforward, cost-effective and has quick registration procedures. This makes UK national rights an excellent starting point for global protection, for example using the Madrid System.
Resolving IP disputes quickly using the UK’s well-developed infrastructure is often a good option. The UK has a specialist IP court with dedicated judges. The IP judges in the UK are held in high regard throughout the world for their fairness, experience and skill in dealing with complex cases and producing well-reasoned, written judgments.
Litigation in the UK is often an important driver for international settlements due to the speed of issuing decisions and the high quality of judgments. Cases are actively managed by judges in the UK and parties are encouraged to identify the issues in dispute in the early stages, so trials happen in a timely manner.
Being part of a global commercial centre means that we have a well-developed arbitration system. The alternative dispute resolution method is well respected and recognised internationally, including by the courts.
The UK has several professional bodies in place for arbitrators and mediators to ensure that high standards are maintained, innovation is encouraged in the area of alternative dispute resolution and to facilitate knowledge-sharing among members of the profession.
Trusted professionals
In 2016, the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys was awarded a Royal Charter, which underlines the expertise, trust, skill and quality of service that UK chartered trademark attorneys provide. It cements chartered trademark attorneys as leading professionals for the protection and enforcement of IP in the UK and beyond.
"The UK has several professional bodies in place for arbitrators and mediators to ensure that high standards are maintained."
The standards of qualification to become and professional development to remain a chartered trademark attorney are high. The examination process is rigorous and is overseen by a dedicated regulatory body, the IP Regulation Board.
UK professionals take personal development seriously and keep their knowledge of trademark law and practice up to date through a compulsory continuing professional development scheme.
When choosing to use chartered trademark attorneys from the UK you know you are getting value for money. On top of the flexible services and various pricing models, clients receive high-level advice and strategy from skilled attorneys which ensures the right approach and avoids costly mistakes.
The UK also has a specialist national police unit dedicated to protecting physical goods and digital content from IP crime to ensure clients’ IP is safe.
I am confident that the UK will continue to be a leader in the IP profession and a good choice for international rights owners. The UK is much more than Brexit and as a profession we continue to strive to develop.
Richard Goddard is a trademark counsel at BP and president of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys. He can be contacted at: citma@citma.org.uk.
