Following the General Election held on 12 December, UK voters returned Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a substantial majority in Parliament. It seems highly probable that the Withdrawal Agreement previously agreed with the EU will now be approved by MPs, and is likely to pass fairly swiftly, with the legislation probably returning to Parliament before Christmas.
Under the terms of that agreement, the UK will leave the EU on 31 January 2020, with a transition period up to the end of 2020. The Conservative Party has indicated it does not expect to extend that period.
We therefore anticipate that EU trade marks and designs will continue to cover the UK for 2020 and will cease to do so from 1 January 2021, following the transition period. Provisions for ensuring continuity of protection through creation of comparable rights have been agreed and draft legislation has been created. Our earlier information briefings can be found here and we will keep our clients informed as UK lawmakers progress this. There is no need for any immediate action by right holders.
Haseltine Lake Kempner will continue to offer a complete IP service to our clients through its UK and German offices. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with your usual HLK contact.
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