Talking at a Managing IP Forum recently, The Rt. Hon Chris Skidmore, MP., Minister for Intellectual Property, talked about the importance of ensuring UK IP has a commitment to protect and strengthen the UK IP system.

On intellectual property as part of his diverse ministerial brief, The Minister said, “Not long into the job I had a eureka moment, I realised that one element of my portfolio united all the others. That intellectual property is the nerve centre of my role; it links research to economic growth, it links the arts to the sciences. And it underpins everything we are trying to achieve across the economy as a whole. And that means this is an area we have to get right. Which is why I’m committed to protecting and strengthening our IP system, to helping it adjust to the changes we see around us. To talking to experts like you to understand how we can stay ahead. And, ultimately, to ensuring that UK IP remains some of the best in the world.”

Summary:

• It costs approximately a billion pounds to bring a new drug to market. Hollywood films typically cost in excess of 60 million dollars to produce. This wouldn’t e possible without a strong IP system
• IP protection is vital if universities are to retain the talent they need to thrive. If we are to keep the best minds working in Britain to attract inward investment and build the world’s most innovative economy, a strong IP system is key.
• There is a strong reputation of the UK as a great place to develop and protect IP. Ranked second out of 50 jurisdictions which needs to be maintained. We’re in the midst of significant technological and political change. And IP must adapt.
• New technology, such as AI and block chain ensuring we understand its impact on IP whilst supporting technology.
• Roundtables will be arranged for key stakeholders to understand views on what is needed to stay ahead
• Brexit – meeting the challenges of huge uncertainty but providing clarity to ensure a smooth and effective IP system, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations and parliamentary wrangling. 4 Statutory Instruments have gone through the Commons to ensure we have a fully functioning IP statute book when the UK leaves the EU.
• As a foundation of global trade, IP plays a crucial role as we leave the EU and forge new relations across the globe. So, we are encouraging consistent and effective systems to help British firms do business internationally

Read the full speech here

The Minister concluded by saying, “When I took over this job at the beginning of the year, I was aware that my predecessors had dubbed it the best in government. 8 weeks in, I have to agree. We live in exciting times. Times of technological revolution and global shifts. I am immensely proud of the IPO – the work they do, their ability to adapt, and their appetite to succeed in a complex and changing environment. And I am well aware that this work is enhanced by many of you here – our expert partners – sharing insights and ideas. I’m very grateful to you all and I want us to keep talking. Because while there are undoubtedly further challenges ahead, I am confident that, together, we will continue to provide one of the world’s best IP systems. Encouraging innovation and investment, attracting the best talent, and, ultimately, creating the economy our country needs.”

ACID CEO Dids Macdonald, commenting on the speech said, “The Minister quite rightly points to the UK being one of the best and leading IP systems in the world of which we are proud and which is very reassuring. A point, however, that he has failed to acknowledge is that for many in the creative industries, access to the justice system for micro and SMEs is cost and time prohibitive. In the design sector, for example, 80% have less than 10 employees, 67% have less than 4 employees and the average hourly earnings for a designer are £16.43. With legal fees of upwards of £200+ per hour, it is no surprise that it is unacceptable for the many not to be able to enforce their rights when infringement occurs. Litigation, despite all our accolades, is the luxury of the few.

We are reassured again that the Minister is committed to ensuring post Brexit that he, with the help of the IPO, is meeting the challenges of huge uncertainty and providing clarity to ensure a smooth and effective IP system. However, there is one issue that has not, despite repeated requests to the IPO, been given priority, the loss of EU unregistered design protection in 27 remaining EU states (deal or no deal) for the majority of British designers, the majority of whom rely on unregistered rights.

UK designers are a national success story (who bring £85.2 billion to the UK’s GVA employing 1.5 million in design and design skills). I urge the Minister to be more proactive on this important IP issue as this is potentially calamitous.”

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