UK consults on plain packaging – again

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

UK consults on plain packaging – again

The UK government has launched a second consultation on the introduction of standardised packaging for tobacco products

Plain packs

The Department of Health consultation opened on June 26 and closes on August 7.

The government previously consulted on this issue in 2012. In April this year Sir Cyril Chantler published his independent review concluding that if standardised packaging were introduced, it would have a positive impact on public health.

In the light of this report, the government said it was minded to proceed with standardised packaging, such as that pictured. However, it would consider any new evidence presented in a second consultation.

The consultation includes draft regulations on standardised packaging.

The UK follows Ireland, which recently published legislation on plain packaging. This prompted a joint statement from a number of IP associations expressing “strong concerns” about the impact on trade mark rights.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The LMG Life Sciences Americas Awards is thrilled to present the 2025 shortlist
A new order has brought the total security awarded to a Canadian tech company to $45 million, the highest-ever by an Indian court in an IP case
Andrew Blattman reflects on how IP practices have changed and shares his hopes for increased AI use and better performance on the stock market
The firm said major IP developments included advising on a ‘landmark’ deal involving green hydrogen production, as well as two major acquisitions
The appointments follow other recent moves in the European market as firms look to bolster their UPC offerings
Deborah Kirk discusses why IP and technology have become central pillars in transactions and explains why clients need practically minded lawyers
IP STARS, Managing IP’s accreditation title, reveals its latest rankings for patent work, including which firms are moving up
Leaders at US law firms explain what attorneys can learn from AI cases involving Meta and Anthropic, and why the outcomes could guide litigation strategies
Attorneys reveal the trademark and copyright trends they’ve noticed within the first half of 2025
Senior leaders at TE Connectivity and Clarivate explain how they see the future of innovation
Gift this article