UK consults on plain packaging – again

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

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 firm explains how it secured a $170.6 million verdict against the government in a patent dispute surrounding airport technology, and why the case led to interest from other inventors
Developments of note included the court partially allowing a claim concerning confidentiality clubs and a decision involving technology used in football matches
The firm said adding capability in the French capital completes its coverage of all major patent litigation jurisdictions as it strives for UPC excellence
Marc Fenster explains how keeping the jury focused on the most relevant facts helped secure a $279m win for his client against Samsung
Clients are divided on what externally funded IP firms bring to the table, so those firms must prove why the benefits outweigh the downsides
Rahul Bhartiya, AI coordinator at the EUIPO, discusses the office’s strategy, collaboration with other IP offices, and getting rid of routine tasks
A boom in transactional work and a heightened awareness of IP have helped boost revenue for the rebranded commercial services team
Clemens Heusch, head of global litigation and dispute resolution at Nokia, tells us why open conversations – and respectful challenges – lead to the best results
Siegmund Gutman, who joined Mintz one year ago, explains the firm’s approach to life sciences litigation and what it means for hiring plans
The merger of two IP boutiques could prompt others to follow suit and challenge Australia’s externally funded firms
Gift this article