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Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 February 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 February 2022. It was answered by Penny Mordaunt (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 February 2022 on behalf of the Department for International Trade.


Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership: European Patent Convention

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether she will negotiate a carve out from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership on patent law so that the UK can maintain its membership of the European Patent Convention; and if she will make a statement.

Answer

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership is a pre-existing agreement signed by eleven countries and ratified by eight. It is not possible to re-write the agreement, because this is an accession process, not a brand-new free trade agreement negotiation


The Government cannot comment on the sensitive detail of live negotiations; however, accession will only take place on terms beneficial to the UK.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116840
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
European Patent Convention Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk