Chris Skidmore appointed new UK IP minister
Member of Parliament (MP) Chris Skidmore has been appointed as UK IP minister, becoming the third person to hold the post in 2018.
The role falls within the position of minister of state for universities, science, research, and innovation.
Announcing his appointment on Twitter today, December 5, Skidmore said he was “delighted and honoured” to be stepping into the role.
Skidmore succeeds Sam Gyimah, who resigned his post on Friday, November 30, after just eleven months in the role, stating that he could not support the proposed Brexit Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU.
Skidmore has been the MP for Kingswood since 2010. He most recently served in cabinet as minister for the constitution, until January 2018, after which he took up a role as vice chairman of the Conservative Party for policy.
He studied history at postgraduate level at Oxford University, and has authored a number of history books. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Lawyers yesterday told WIPR that whoever was appointed to the role must master the brief quickly as Brexit looms. Graham Burnett-Hall, chair of the Brexit committee at Marks & Clerk, said: “IP rights holders are looking for clear and consistent guidance as to the future treatment of IP rights as the date of Brexit draws near.”
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