Overview

This Intellectual Property Bill amends existing legislation to clarify and strengthen intellectual property rights, particularly concerning registered designs. The changes aim to improve the protection afforded to designers and businesses while simplifying certain aspects of the law.

Description

The bill makes several key amendments:

• Clause 3: This clause modifies the definition of who can enforce intellectual property rights, specifically concerning the "putting on the market" of goods. It simplifies the criteria, removing the requirement of exclusive authorisation within the UK. The amendments also correct minor grammatical errors and remove redundant subsections.
• Clause 13: This clause strengthens the protection of registered designs by requiring that infringement must be intentional. It also clarifies the definition of design infringement, specifying that it includes copying a design exactly or with only immaterial differences.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact on government expenditure would likely be minimal, potentially involving minor adjustments related to legal and administrative processes.

Groups Affected

• Designers: The amendments provide stronger protection for their registered designs, making it harder for others to intentionally copy their work.
• Businesses: Companies holding registered designs will benefit from enhanced legal protection. The simplification of some legal provisions may also reduce administrative burdens.
• Infringers: The amendments, particularly the addition of the "intentionally" requirement, might make it harder to successfully infringe on intellectual property rights, leading to increased legal risks for those who deliberately copy designs.

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