Patents and related intellectual property rights will be entirely unaffected by Brexit.

This is because the UK will remain a member of the European Patents Convention, which sets up the European Patent Office (EPO). The EPO is an independent international institution and is separate from the EU.

This means:

1. Patent holders do not need to take any action, as all existing protection will remain in place.

2. The process for obtaining European patents will not change.

3. The process for enforcing European patents will not change.

At Cleveland Scott York, our experienced team of qualified European Patent Attorneys will continue to represent clients at the EPO, irrespective of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.