13. As we have stated in previous sessions, the United Kingdom attaches great significance to the WTO notification system and its role in promoting transparency between WTO Members. Transparent notification of IP measures promotes a well-functioning international IP framework and through that the growth of innovative industries worldwide.
14. To provide a clearer picture of the United Kingdom's IP framework to Members, we have been notifying to Members a number of legislative changes made since we last updated the Council on our IP laws and regulations.
15. This process has continued, with Members receiving updates via the e-TRIPS system. We thank the WTO Secretariat for their patience and support throughout this process. Additionally, we have also recently notified a number of new laws relating to the UK's exit from the European Union.
16. These have been of a technical nature, making amendments to domestic arrangements to ensure that UK national law continues to function effectively in light of the UK's exit, reflecting the Withdrawal Agreement and the retention of EU law in UK law, following the end of the transition period.
17. With regard to our historic notifications, which covered the areas of copyright, patents and enforcement, I will cite examples along a path reflecting the changing world around us and the importance of ensuring that the UK IP system is fit for purpose and makes the most of technological developments. Our examples highlight how the UK has continued to help innovators and creators protect their IP rights.
18. The UK remains committed to an effective and balanced IP regime that drives innovation, investment, and economic opportunity for the benefit of all. By ensuring that the system remains up to date, we have been able to make sure that our IP regime remains fit for purpose.
19. The Copyright, etc Trademarks (Offences and Enforcement) Act 2002 amended the criminal provisions in intellectual property law, specifically the law relating to copyright, rights in performances, unauthorised decoders and trademarks, to ensure the penalties reflected the seriousness of the crimes they cover.
20. This provision, as stated here, provides law enforcement with broader tools to help tackle IP crime and introduces further deterrents to criminals seeking to benefit from IP infringement.
21. The UK continues to greatly value harmonisation of international systems and standards, supporting the ongoing evolution of a global system that fosters innovation and creativity – an update to the UK's IP system that demonstrates this was the Artist's Resale Right (ARR) Regulations 2006.
22. Prior to the introduction of the ARR Regulations, there were no resale rights in the UK. The Artists' Resale Right entitles creators of artistic works to a royalty payment each time their works are sold by an art market professional. This right to the royalty has the same duration as copyright – generally, the life of the author plus 70 years.
23. The 2006 Regulations also implemented aspects of Article 14ter of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. This is the only international agreement which grants and governs ARR. It is an optional right with a reciprocity obligation for and between countries that offer it, its implementation shows that the UK will make the most of the wider international framework to ensure its creators are duly rewarded for the fruits of their creative endeavours.
24. We are still considering providing more details of the legislative changes and their functioning within the UK IP ecosystem, potentially in a workshop at a future point. The United Kingdom continues to look forward to engaging with all WTO Members in our collective effort towards defending and improving the multilateral trading system.
