Research Briefing
Intellectual Property Bill [HL] Committee Stage Report
The Intellectual Poperty Bill would simplify and clarify design protection and ownership, with the aim of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. It would introduce new criminal penalties for copying of UK registered designs, facilitate the UK’s joining the international Hague Agreement, and provide for a new design opinions service. It would also allow for the creation of a Unified Patent Court and the international sharing of information on patents. In addition, there is provision for a research exemption from freedom of information law and for greater accountability on the part of the Intellectual Property Office.