Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with representatives from the Design, Trade Marks and Brands sectors on the future practical arrangements that will need to exist between the UK, the International Property Office and the EU Intellectual Property Office after the UK leaves the EU.

My officials and I have held extensive discussions with representatives from across the various IP sectors on the effects of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including the UK’s future relationship with the EU Intellectual Property Office. This future relationship is a matter for negotiation with the EU, and we will continue to explore all options.

The UK is already an engaged and committed member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in its own right, and will continue to fulfil its WIPO treaty obligations.