The intellectual property profession has historically adapted to changes and will continue to thrive despite Brexit, so it should not impact career decisions. [The IP industry sees growth opportunities from advancing technologies worldwide. Brexit may cause legislative changes but UK patent attorneys will maintain their European Patent Attorney status and representation before the European Patent Office.] The IP field remains a strong, global sector with a bright future and Brexit should not deter career moves or new entrants to the profession.

1. Dawn Ellmore on why Brexit shouldn’t affect
your decision to change jobs
Brexit will undoubtedly bring some legislative changes, but the Intellectual Property
(IP) profession has a history of changing with the times. The industry is thriving and
will continue to do so, which is why Brexit shouldn’t affect your decision to get into an
IP career or move jobs. Quite the opposite in fact.
The patent profession has changed since its inception and is an industry that will
always evolve. Since the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) was set up
in 1882, the world of invention and creativity has changed hugely. And as invention,
new technology and innovation will always be at the forefront of the UK’s economic
strength, there has never been a better time to become a patent attorney or further
your existing career.
The future of the profession is strong
The fast rise in technological advancements across the world, including China, India,
South Korea and the United States, offer many opportunities for patent attorneys in
the UK and overseas.
The rapid rise in technological advancements across the world, including China,
India, South Korea and the United States, point towards a recession proof global
industry, and many opportunities for patent attorneys in the UK and further afield.

2. Intellectual Property (IP) is big business, and it always will be. The future of the
profession in a wider sense is affected by legislative changes in the UK, but also in
Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand the United States. The world continues to
recognise the UK IP sector as a world-leader, with UK Chartered Patent Attorneys
held in high regard.
If you are looking to join the IP sector in the UK then you can be sure of entering a
strong, global profession with a bright future. The industry is thriving both at home
and abroad, and whether you are starting out, looking for a support position or are an
attorney changing firms, Brexit and its legislative changes should not affect your
decision.
IP firms are working to meet the challenges Brexit may bring and are able to craft
solutions to the potential changes – for example by opening a new office in the
Republic of Ireland or in mainland Europe, or strengthening an existing European
outpost. Shortly after the referendum vote in 2016, the EU commission released a
position paper on IP rights, and it’s likely that the UK government will follow soon.
UK Patent Attorneys’ standing in Europe
It’s also worth noting that a UK patent attorney’s status as a European Patent
Attorney will not change once Brexit has been concluded. The European Patent
Office (EPO) is separate organisation to that of the EU, and the UK’s membership of
the EPO will not be affected. UK-based European Patent Attorneys will continue to
represent their clients before the EPO, and granted European patents will be able to
be registered in the UK in exactly the same way as they currently are.
The changes that will come into effect following the decision of the UK to leave the
European Union may well affect legislation pertaining to this sector, but it won’t
fundamentally change this exciting, dynamic and thriving area of law, or the career
opportunities it offers.
Beyond Brexit – it won’t affect your career path
Whatever happens within IP after Brexit, this sector of law will remain one of the
most interesting, diverse and specialist in the UK. As such it shouldn’t affect the
career path of anyone in the industry, or anyone considering joining.
For more on positions available within intellectual property, contact Dawn Ellmore
Employment here.