Divergence of UK law from EU law after Brexit: the example of intellectual property. The 22nd Burrell Lecture*

This lecture identifies and discusses five ways in which UK law has already diverged and may in future diverge from EU law, taking intellectual property law as an example. It suggests that, in a field like intellectual property law, divergence is likely to be a slow and incremental process. Moreover, it is uncertain where divergence will occur or to what extent. Where there is international agreement as to the appropriate balance between stakeholders, that may lead to the UK and the EU moving in parallel rather than diverging. *Competition Law Association, 2 December 2021.