Clarity sought on Government's patent court position
11 March 2020
The EU Justice Sub-Committee writes to Minister after the UK's withdrawal from the Unified Patent Court system was reported in the media
- Parliament TV: Brexit, the UK and the Unified Patent Court - evidence session 10 March 2020
- Letter dated 10 March from Lord Morris of Aberavon, Chair of EU Justice Sub-Committee to Amanda Solloway MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Science, Research and Innovation), Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Background
Over the last fortnight, it has been widely reported in sectoral media that the UK will no longer be seeking involvement in the Unified Patent Court system. The system, which is in the process of being developed, would allow inventors to apply for a single patent that will then be recognised by all participating states. Although primarily involving European countries, the system sits largely outside of EU law and EU institutions, and so advocates in the sector had hoped participation would not be affected by Brexit.
Having taken evidence on the subject yesterday, the Sub-Committee's Chair has written to the responsible minister, Amanda Solloway MP, asking her to confirm the Government's position, as they have yet to make an official public statement on the matter.