Queen’s Speech proposes new Intellectual Property Bill

In her speech on 8 May 2013, the Queen announced plans for a Bill to “make it easier for businesses to protect their Intellectual Property”.

The proposed Bill, in summary, will include the following provisions:

• Implementation of the Unified Patent Court, to be based in London.
• Amendments to design law to simply what is protected under design law and ownership of designs and to put in place criminal sanctions for infringement of UK registered designs.
• Systems to help to accelerate patent applications.
• Introduction of a design rights opinion service to try and resolves IP disputes more cost effectively.

If you have any questions in this area or generally on IP please contact Emma Hayward.