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Friday 5 April 2019
After yet another rollercoaster week in British politics, further delay to the effective date of Brexit (the “withdrawal date”) is looking increasingly likely.
Prime Minister May has written to the EU to request a delay until 30 June 2019, albeit with the proposal that the UK could still leave before the European Parliamentary elections in May 2019 if a deal can be approved in time. Meanwhile, there are indications on the EU side that a delay of up to 1 year may yet be offered, with flexibility for the withdrawal date to be earlier if an appropriate deal is reached; but any offer of such a delay would be subject to approval of all the EU member states.
There is a majority in British Parliament averse to a no-deal Brexit, but absent agreement to a delay, the default position does remain that the UK is to leave the EU on Friday 12 April 2019.
Even if there were a no-deal Brexit, it remains our view that no action is needed prior to the withdrawal date in respect of existing EU trade marks and registered designs. We continue to closely monitor the situation and we will advise you should any action become necessary.
For further information and updates, please visit our Brexit hub at www.aathornton.com/resources/brexit-hub/; we will keep you apprised of developments and we will ensure we remain able to support your UK and EU IP needs regardless of the outcome of Brexit.
