In or out? The UK referendum over ‘Brexit’ is scheduled for 23rd June 2016.
When the referendum date on Brexit was set, my immediate reaction was “why now?” – what possible advantage can there be to the UK to leave Europe? We have pushed away recession, we are improving the deficit, and the business world is active. My second reaction was, “seriously, it can’t happen!”
From the relative haven of Cheltenham, where I practise, it seems to me that the world has become a more unstable place and now, more than ever, is a time to have friends – everywhere. Political and financial uncertainty are surely not what we need? Just having a vote, and now, is not ideal.
All over the UK there are businesses, large and small, trading with our friends in other European countries. The free market in Europe has opened up a trading opportunity, which even the very smallest of start-ups in the UK can benefit from. More than this, there is a legal framework around which we can all do business.
In the world of IP, this framework delivers, inter alia, the European Union Trade Mark Registration. A UK business owner can visit his local attorney, be it in Cheltenham or anywhere else in the UK, and they can file and prosecute a European Union Trade Mark application. A brand can be protected throughout Europe and a new brand protected market can be established. Long may it continue. We embrace our European partners and we want them to embrace us.
Even if we were to leave Europe, does anyone seriously believe that in two years, we will make an exit? Our membership of the EEA would be assured – we want to trade, Europe wants to trade and the rest of the world wants us to trade.
Our attorneys will continue to provide an excellent service to their wonderful Associates and clients all over the world from the US to Asia, and our message that “Britain is the gateway to Europe” will not feel a ripple.
I’m voting to stay “in” because I haven’t heard or seen a single argument in favour of Brexit that makes sense commercially or emotionally. Put a stop to this nonsense, secure the economy and let’s get back to being influencers in this world, with a seat at the European table.