Member Articles

1. Research and development

Funding:

• UK has committed to research funding of £22 billion per year by 2024/25
• UK researchers can participate in Horizon Europe, subject to agreement on UK's financial contribution

Talent:

• New points-based immigration system applies
• An Office for Talent is established to smooth the visa application process
• A new Global Talent visa will allow leading overseas scientists and researchers to work in the UK

2. Protection

Technology:

• The existing European patent system remains unaffected
• The EU database right no longer applies. Databases remain protected through copyright
• When in force, the EU unitary patent system may help UK businesses protect technology in EU countries

Brands:

• A UK equivalent to an EU trade mark is automatically granted
• An application is required for a UK equivalent to any pending EU trade mark application

Designs:

• A UK equivalent to a registered community design is automatically granted
• An application is required for UK equivalent to any pending registered community design application
• A new supplementary unregistered design right will automatically protect the appearance of products

3. Regulation

Registration:

• Pharmaceutical products and medical devices must be registered with the MHRA

Responsible person:

• A UK responsible person must be appointed by EU/oversees manufacturers of medicines, medical devices and other regulated goods

Marking:

• The new UKCA mark must be applied to certain goods marketed in Great Britain.
• The UK(NI) mark is required for goods marketed in Northern Ireland
• The CE mark is also required for regulated goods intended for the EU market

4. Commercialisation

Manufacturing:

• The EU-UK trade deal ensures tariff free imports.
• A new VAT import regime applies
• Enhanced customs declarations and checks may slightly delay supplies of materials and components

Export:

• The EU-UK deal ensures tariff free exports to the EU. Enhanced customs declarations and checks may slightly delay export process

Licensing:

• Licensing arrangements with EU manufacturers or distributors may benefit a commercialisation strategy within the EU

5. Enforcement

Representation:

• An EU representative must be appointed in trade mark and design proceedings before the EU IPO

CJEU decisions:

• CJEU decisions made after 1 January 2021 are not binding on the UK

Unitary Patent Court:

• When in force, UK businesses may face litigation within the new EU Unified Patent Court, if their actions within EU countries infringe existing rights