The meeting took place in Brussels on June 13 and MARQUES was represented by Chairman Gregor Versondert and Chair of the MARQUES Brexit Task Force Roland Mallinson.
The Commission convened the meeting to listen to the views and concerns of IP rights holders regarding the security of their rights when the UK leaves the EU, which is expected to happen in March 2019.
Liaising with the Commission is one of the priorities of the MARQUES Brexit Task Force, which was set up following the UK referendum vote last year.
The Task Force is identifying the issues of most importance to brand owners, with a view to informing the relevant officials and ministers in the UK as well as those in other EU member states and the EU institutions.
At the MARQUES Spring Meeting, where the Task Force was introduced, there was considerable interest from members, and a broad willingness to help shape its work.
In light of the feedback from those volunteering, a survey on Brexit issues has been prepared and this will be sent out to all Task Force members, and corporate members of MARQUES, shortly. It will be available for two weeks.
Issues likely to be highlighted by the Task Force include: the transition of EU trade marks and registered Community designs post-Brexit, rules on exhaustion of rights, protection for other rights such as geographical indications and international trade marks and the relevance of CJEU case law in the UK post-Brexit.
The Task Force has identified appropriate people in national governments and IP offices as well as MEPs for further communication once the priorities are established, and will work closely with other sister associations representing brand owners in planning further activity.
There will be a further update at the MARQUES Annual Conference in September.
Issue 078
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