International IP Law

Intellectual Property for International Businesses

Business is international and so we have built a network of over 100 associate firms across the globe, all poised to assist you with everything from post-Brexit trading to IP portfolio management.

Our international reach allows us to provide local advice, wherever you trade. It means that by speaking to one lawyer in the UK, you can access hundreds of lawyers overseas. We’ll deal with the invoicing and engagement, so there’s no need for additional paperwork on your side. The vast majority of our fees will also be fixed and quoted in advance, allowing you to keep track of what you’re spending and where.

From furniture and food to software and shoes, the possibilities for export are endless. With the right contracts in place and the appropriate IP in force, you can trade with reduced stress and increased confidence. To discuss your international reach and see how we can help, or to arrange a free meeting with one of our solicitors, please fill out a contact form.

Post-Brexit Considerations

The end of the transition period saw the creation of over 2 million new registered intellectual property rights in the UK. These rights were duplications of pre-existing EU rights which are no longer enforceable in the UK.

The new UK rights will need to be renewed separately by the same deadline as their EU equivalents. They are identical to their EU equivalents, with the same registration dates, classes and owner details.

It is advisable to ensure that you have an EU representative listed on your EU rights and UK representative listed for your UK rights, fortunately, Briffa can help.

As of 1 January 2021, if you file an application for a patent, a trade mark or a design in the UK, you or your representative must have a UK address for service. In respect of EU applications, an EU address for service will be required if your application becomes subject to proceedings before the EU Intellectual Property Office.

Our Legal Services

Understanding the intricacies of international law can be difficult, particularly in the wake of so much change in our trading relationships with other countries. Let Briffa navigate the waters for you and ensure that your international Intellectual Property Rights are protected across all borders and in every territory of operation.

Services include:

Trade Marks

Your brand is your identity, a sign of quality and usually a major driving force behind a consumer purchase. We can advise you on your brand strategy and make sure your trade marks are registered and properly protected anywhere in the world.

Designs

Be they registered or unregistered, designs are a crucial but often overlooked area of IP. The rules around what can be registered, and the timing of filings, are detailed and so it’s best to ensure that you secure the right advice before any new designs are disclosed.

Copyright

Copyright arises with artistic craftsmanship as well as design sketches, logos and website layouts. Our international copyright lawyers can advise on how to best protect these assets around the world, and what to do if you are copied.

Patents

Our expert patent solicitors can advise you on patent protection and guide you through the application process.

Commercial Contracts

Commercial agreements are key tools in holding your other parties to account and protecting yourself and your rights. Whether freelancer, manufacturing, distribution, consumer sales or wholesale agreements, we offer fixed fees to draft, review and negotiate documents.

Confidential Information

Inside knowledge of the industry, supply chains and contacts are all valuable information to your business. We can help you keep your knowledge secret with non-disclosure agreements and advice on confidentiality.