Creative Industries raise alarm that Brexit dividends threaten Intellectual Property Rights

British creative sectors are expressing worries about the potential jeopardy to intellectual property (IP) rights stemming from a government assessment aiming for ‘Brexit advantages.’ The evaluation, overseen by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, is exploring modifications pertaining to the depletion of IP rights within the UK. Business collectives and leaders within the creative domain are cautioning that suggested modifications to regulations might trigger an inflow of low-cost, replicated items inundating the UK market.

The Publishers Association anticipates that modifications in IP rights could result in losses of up to £2.2 billion for the publishing industry and discourage UK exports. The British Chambers of Commerce and the pharmaceutical sector are also voicing concerns over potential adverse consequences for small enterprises, the pharmaceutical supply chain, and patient well-being. Concurrently, the government verifies that it is evaluating the policy to ensure that incentives for innovation persist while fostering competitive markets and consumer alternatives.

Why does this matter?

Intellectual property rights are fundamental to protecting innovation and originality, allowing creators and businesses to reap the rewards of their efforts. Certain stakeholders speculate that the government is employing the IP matter as a means to demonstrate post-Brexit merits, possibly by decreasing prices through escalated imports. Conversely, critics contend that such a manoeuvre might detrimentally affect British sectors. Prior to Brexit, the UK adhered to the EU’s territorial rights system, which shielded against unauthorised entry of goods from beyond the European Economic Area.