European patent work will be unaffected by Brexit

The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) explains why, when it comes to patents in Europe, it is business as usual regardless of Brexit.

The effects of the UK’s decision to leave the EU are already being felt across the UK’s service industries.

But when it comes to patents in Europe, it is business as usual.
The European patent office – via which patent rights across Europe can be obtained – is not an EU institution.

So the UK’s 2,300 European qualified patent attorneys will be able to continue to represent their domestic and overseas clients there after Brexit.

In fact, since the result of the UK’s referendum on EU membership, there has been no let-up in the large number of European patent applications filed by British attorneys.

The resistance of the European patent system to the effects of Brexit is good news for both the UK, and for those around the world who want to use British legal expertise to protect their intellectual property in Europe.