海角视频

Britain's withdrawal from the European Union is set to alter the way all technology firms operate on myriad levels.

Quite apart from its implications on employment and intellectual property, there鈥檚 also Brexit鈥檚 impact on data.

So, just what should tech firms across Greater Manchester and the north west be doing at this point in time?

Here, three partners at Manchester law firm TLT provide their professional insight.

Data

Emma Erskine-Fox, associate in TLT鈥檚 technology and intellectial property team, explained: 鈥淲hilst Brexit will have a number of other data protection implications for 海角视频-based companies that have clients in the 海角视频 and elsewhere in Europe, it is unlikely to significantly change the status quo in terms of storing personal data overseas.

鈥淭he 海角视频 government has confirmed that existing adequacy mechanisms approved by the European Commission - including EC adequacy decisions, approved standard contractual clauses (SCCs) and binding corporate rules - can continue to be used to legitimise transfers from the 海角视频 to other 鈥渢hird countries鈥�.

鈥淪imilarly, the 海角视频 will continue to recognise all EEA countries as providing an adequate level of protection, so 海角视频 companies can continue to store data in the EU.

鈥淒ata flows from the EU back to the 海角视频 can continue during the transition period and the EC intends to reach an adequacy decision on the 海角视频 by the end of 2020.

鈥淗owever, this is a fairly ambitious timeline, and if it is not met, then additional mechanisms, such as SCCs, will need to be put in place to cover EU to 海角视频 transfers from the end of the transition period.

鈥淐ompanies should therefore map all their data flows and identify transfers from the EU to the 海角视频 so that they can act quickly to implement appropriate measures at that time, if required.鈥�

Employment

Fraser Vandal, solicitor and immigration expert at TLT, explained: 鈥淥ne of the key areas for Greater Manchester鈥檚 tech firms to consider is employment.

鈥淚f your workforce includes EU, EEA or Swiss nationals or their non-EU, -EEA or -Swiss family members working in the 海角视频 under the EU鈥檚 free movement rules, you will need to make sure they have registered under the EU Settlement Scheme.

鈥淔ree movement will end on 31 December 2020 at the end of the planned transition period.

鈥淚f you employ 海角视频 nationals living and working in the EU or people who regularly work across these borders, the end of the free movement of people could have a significant impact on your business.

鈥淭hey may for example need to apply for multiple visas and residence permits.鈥�

Trademarks and Intellectual Property (IP)

When asked about the imact of leaving Brexit on trademarks, TLT partner Nick Fenner, whi heads the firm鈥檚 intellectual proerty disputes team, replied: 鈥淎rrangements are being put in place to ensure that EU registrations for trademarks and designs are automatically extended to the 海角视频 when it leaves the EU.

鈥淗owever, there will be additional renewal fees payable, and technology companies will need to be extra vigilant over rights coming up for renewal shortly after the exit date to ensure both the 海角视频 and EU rights remain covered.

鈥淧atents obtained through the European patent office will not be affected.

鈥淔or new filings it will be necessary to file in both the 海角视频 and the EU.

鈥淭echnology companies will also need to check their IP licence arrangements as licensed territory may be defined as the EU.

鈥淭his could create both risks and opportunities and should be a top priority for review.鈥�