UNITARY RIGHTS - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BREXIT?
The European Union operates a so-called “unitary principle”, according to which EU IP rights are in force in all member states, and cannot exist in only some member states. (This is in contrast to national rights which can be in force in selected member states only and not the whole of the EU). Thus, currently, EU trade marks (formerly called Community trade marks), registered Community Designs, and unregistered Community designs cover the whole of the EU (including the UK).