“EU referendum will have no effect on ratification,” says the UK IPO

In statement sent to Managing IP this morning the UK IPO said:

"The UK's EU referendum will have no effect on UK ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement by the middle of 2016. This is in line with the timescale identified for the conclusion of the preparatory work necessary for the UPC to become operational.  Ratification will happen before the Court is expected to open, in early 2017.

“The UK needs to complete implementing legislation before we are ready to ratify and we expect to be ready in time for the Court's expected opening in early 2017.”

CIPA, the body which represents UK patent attorneys, has also published a statement regarding the referendum

It is good news that the UK IPO has come out to reiterate the UK's current position. We hope this will dispel any fears.

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