UK consults on plain packaging – again

The Department of Health consultation opened on June 26 and closes on August 7.

The government previously consulted on this issue in 2012. In April this year Sir Cyril Chantler published his independent review concluding that if standardised packaging were introduced, it would have a positive impact on public health.

In the light of this report, the government said it was minded to proceed with standardised packaging, such as that pictured. However, it would consider any new evidence presented in a second consultation.

The consultation includes draft regulations on standardised packaging.

The UK follows Ireland, which recently published legislation on plain packaging. This prompted a joint statement from a number of IP associations expressing “strong concerns” about the impact on trade mark rights.