Deal or No Deal: Is Brexit Finally Here?

After several extensions and failed attempts to reach a deal, the date on which the United Kingdom (UK) will leave the European Union (EU) is now almost here and another deal is on the table. If this deal is accepted, a transition period until at least December 2020 will delay the effects of Brexit. Without a deal, it appears that the UK will exit the EU on 31 October 2019 and the effects of that exit will be immediate.

The UK’s departure from the EU may affect your rights or result in extra cost if you have any EU trade mark applications or registrations, Madrid Protocol International Registrations which designate the EU, or Hague System International Design applications or registrations covering the EU.

• If you have a trade mark or design registration covering the EU at the relevant date: it will automatically convert to a UK national registration.
• If you have a pending trade mark or design application covering the EU at the relevant date: you will have 9 months to file a UK national application claiming the priority date from the European Union application.

Brexit will not affect any European patent applications or patents, as the European patent system is independent of the EU.

We will contact our clients who have rights that may be affected by Brexit directly with an outline of options. But if you have any queries, let us know – we are here to help!