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30 November 2016Big Pharma

UK life sciences industry still uncertain despite UPC ratification

UK life sciences organisations are still uncertain about the implications of Britain’s  departure from the EU, despite welcoming the announcement that the UK will ratify the Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement.

The announcement was made on Monday, November 28 by UK Minister of Intellectual Property Baroness Neville-Rolfe at the EU Competitiveness Council in Brussels.

In response, the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) welcomed the decision.

Steve Bates, CEO, said in a statement: “Being able to protect intellectual property is vital for life science companies and is often the key value in emerging bioscience companies.”

He said that the BIA welcomes the UK ratifying an agreement to create a single system for the registration, prosecution and enforcement of patents across much of Europe.

Although the BIA supports the UK’s involvement in establishing the UPC, post-Brexit questions remain unanswered.

Bates added: “While the desire to see rapid entry into force of the new system is understandable, it is now imperative that the government works swiftly with the other signatories to the agreement to ensure the UK can remain part of the UPC after it leaves the EU and avoid these complexities arising.”

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical industry (ABPI) expressed similar concerns.

Virginia Acha, executive director of research, medical and innovation at ABPI, told LSIPR: “The UK has been an important voice and contributor to the unitary patent and the UPC scheme.”

She added: “The news of the plan for ratification is understandable but equally important will be an understanding of what the implications will be for the life sciences industry following the UK’s departure from the EU.

“We look forward to discussing this further with the government and the Intellectual Property Office.”