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It seems we now move into a new stage of the pandemic, where we must all learn to live with the situation and resume our normal lives where possible. At Mewburn Ellis our offices are now open and our people are returning on a phased basis with the aim of everyone being back in at least some of the time from the end of September. To keep our people as safe as possible, we have taken the decision to maintain our offices as COVID-19 secure and the screens, one way systems, mask use and social distancing remain in place. We believe this is a sensible approach for now to maintain the health and wellbeing of our staff.
We’ve taken the last few months to think about what we want our firm to look like in light of everything we’ve all experienced during the pandemic and we’ve also consulted with our people so everyone’s voice has been heard. We’ve seen the benefits of home working for our business and our people, but we also recognise some of the challenges it brings too and what we lose by not being physically together. In light of this we have decided to create a ‘blended working’ approach where we expect everyone to be in the office 50% of the time and we have introduced more flexibility around start and finish times so our teams are able to travel during quieter times of the day and manage their professional and personal commitments in a balanced and effective way.
We know that innovation goes into overdrive in challenging times and these last 18 months have been no exception. It’s been wonderful to work with our clients on so many new and exciting projects during this time as science continues to improve our lives through the amazing shared innovation that is taking place across the world. Speaking to our clients we know you have all handled the last 18 months in different ways. Some have changed their business models and reinvented themselves and some have simply had to wait out this horrible situation but are now moving into a more positive phase. Many have also been innovating, sharing ideas and working with people they would have previously been in competition, suspending this for the greater good. This spotlight page brings you the latest commentary from our attorneys about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it affects IP, as well as any legal updates you need to know. We are also showcasing some of the inspirational work our clients are doing. We continue to add to this, so do check back to see new stories.
In the meantime we hope that you and yours remain well. We're here to help if you need us. If you need IP advice or simply want to chat do pick up the phone we would love to hear from you.
Best wishes
Richard Clegg
The impact of coronavirus on IP varies depending on the technical field in which you operate and the type of IP protection that you have in place. For many it’s business as usual at the moment, but certain sectors are being fundamentally altered by the pandemic. For example, we’re seeing some companies initiate audits of their patent portfolios to better adapt them to a post-pandemic world. And some brands are using the power of trade marks to emphasise government advice on social distancing, such as temporarily adapting or modifying their logos to incorporate this message.
At Mewburn Ellis we are continuing to monitor information emerging from IP offices around the world on a daily basis to ensure we are able to provide up to date practical guidance. We are on hand to support you and your evolving IP requirements during these exceptional times.
We are inspired and humbled by the actions of our clients, colleagues and friends who are playing a crucial role in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19). We’re mentioning just a few here, but hope to recognise more over time.
Thank you to:
If you or your company are in a position to support the Coronavirus effort, the UK Government have set up a scheme to enable businesses to get involved. Find out more on the Offer Coronavirus (COVID-19) support from your business webpage.
Our offices are now open and our people are returning on a phased basis with the aim of everyone being back in at least some of the time from the end of September. To keep our people as safe as possible, we have taken the decision to maintain our offices as COVID-19 secure and the screens, one way systems, mask use and social distancing remain in place. We believe this is a sensible approach for now to maintain the health and wellbeing of our staff.
The UK Government has set up temporary measures to support businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. Read more at GOV.UK
The UK Government has provided guidance for employees, employers and businesses. Read more at GOV.UK
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to smaller businesses (SMEs) across the UK that are losing revenue, and seeing their cashflow disrupted, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The scheme is a part of a wider package of government support for UK businesses and employees. Read more at the UK Government’s Business Support website.
Financial support for larger firms by way of the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility is open for applications.
The European Patent Office (EPO) now has a dedicated webpage regarding their response to COVID-19 that provides current information as the crisis unfolds.
The UKIPO has provided a Coronavirus update on IPO services.
The EUIPO has a page which provides regular updates.
WIPO has launched various iniatiaves to deal with the disruption caused by COVID-19.
Mind have put together some guidance on things you can try that could help your wellbeing. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Partner, Patent Attorney
Life Sciences
Partner, Patent Attorney
Engineering & ICT
Partner, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Solicitor
Trade Marks
Partner, Solicitor, Litigator
Legal Services
Mewburn Ellis Forward is a biannual publication that celebrates the best of innovation and exploration. Through its pages we hope to inform and entertain, but also to encourage discussion about the most compelling developments taking place in the scientific and entrepreneurial world. Along the way, we’ll engage with the IP challenges that international organisations face every day.
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