Brexit and IP: Your FAQs answered

Welcome to our FAQs on Brexit and your IP. Please click the questions in the list below to read the detailed responses. If you have any questions about Brexit and your IP portfolio that aren't covered below, or would like to speak to an IP adviser for detailed responses, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Brexit taskforce.
Cloning of EU rights
Conversion applications
Renewals
Contentious proceedings
Use and reputation
- UK perspective:
- EU perspective:
Designs
If a corresponding UCD was established before 1 January 2021 through first disclosure in the EU but outside of the UK, this will not affect the validity of the continuing unregistered design.
- people resident in the UK or a qualifying country
- businesses formed under the laws of the UK or a qualifying country
Where qualification is a result of first marketing, you will need to have disclosed your design in the UK or a qualifying country.
It is not possible to have ‘dual disclosure’ of a design in both the UK and the EU, first disclosure can only be in the UK or EU. Protection will be given in the jurisdiction where first disclosure of the design occurs.
Customs AFAs
UKIPO fees
Representation
Geographical indications
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
- MAs which have been converted from existing EMA MAs: valid across the whole UK;
- MAs granted by the EMA: valid for NI;
- MAs granted by the MHRA: valid in England, Scotland and Wales only.
Visit our dedicated Brexit microsite
Latest news
Webinars & events
[Trademark event] Join us at the 2026 INTA Annual Meeting in London!
We’re excited to learn that the 2026 Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA) will take place from 2–6 May at ExCeL London, UK. Our London team is on hand in case you have any questions about preparing your visit to the next INTA Annual Meeting.
Webinars & events
[Trademark event] Join us at the MARQUES 2025 in The Hague
We’re excited to announce that the 39th MARQUES Annual Conference will take place from 16–19 September 2025 at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.
News & opinion
Green technology innovations: Patents and the ecological transition
At a time when climate and environmental issues are more important than ever, it is reasonable to look to technological innovation for at least part of the solution. Martin Chaumont explains the critical role of the patent system in protecting, promoting and financing 'green' technology innovations.