CITMA 2017: IP firmly ‘in the mix’ for Brexit negotiations

IP is “firmly in the mix” for Brexit negotiations, according to Adam Williams, deputy director of the international policy directorate at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The UK leaving the EU was top of the agenda for delegates at the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys’ (CITMA) spring conference today, March 16, in London.

Williams told delegates that “co-operation and collaboration is very much part of what we’re about” during Brexit negotiations.

He added that “in the short term, nothing has changed”, but that exiting the EU is a “complex process”.

“IP is firmly in the mix,” he said, adding that the impact on IP is a “concern” for people.

Williams’ team is having “hourly conversations” with the UK government in a bid to ensure the smooth running of IP post-Brexit.

He told delegates that “progress is being made” for IP after Brexit, but that it is “still too early to say when or if we are ready to consult on specific options”.

On Monday, March 13, the European Union Notice of Withdrawal Bill was passed by members of parliament and peers.

The Queen gave Royal Assent today, meaning that Prime Minister Theresa May can notify Brussels that the UK is leaving the EU.

According to the BBC, May has said she will trigger the process at the end of the month.