“Don’t panic”: call for calm as Brexit vote creates uncertainty over future scope of trademark protection

The UK electorate has voted to leave the European Union, meaning that after months of campaigning and speculation, trademark professionals now face the very real prospect of a changed IP landscape. The exit won’t become a reality until 2018 at the earliest, meaning that EU trademarks and registered Community designs currently remain valid in the United Kingdom. However, in the interim there is a lot to be negotiated, with the UK Institute of Trademark Attorneys urging rights holders “not to panic”.