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Britain Plans to Replace EU Technology Licensing Rules with UK-Specific System

By  |  September 30, 2025

Britain’s competition watchdog has urged the government to replace an EU-derived exemption for technology licensing with a new domestic framework, marking another step in reshaping post-Brexit regulation.

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    According to Reuters, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recommended scrapping the Assimilated Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (TTBER), which is due to expire in April 2025. The regulator has instead proposed a 12-year UK-specific exemption order designed to provide clarity for businesses while encouraging innovation.

    The TTBER currently allows companies to share and license technology, such as patents and software, under defined conditions without falling foul of competition law. Per Reuters, the CMA argued that while technology licensing can boost innovation, investment, and growth, certain provisions in these agreements may restrict fair competition.

    In its final advice to Business and Trade Minister Peter Kyle, the CMA suggested that the updated framework should reflect the UK’s economic needs and remove outdated references, such as “utility models,” while incorporating more modern rights like database copyrights.

    Read more: UK Forms National Commission to Regulate AI in Health Care

    Britain initially carried over the EU rulebook when it exited the European Union, but the TTBER has been under review as part of the government’s wider plan to tailor regulation to domestic priorities. Companies including Nokia patent firm Sisvel International and independent licensing marketplace Avanci provided feedback during the CMA’s consultation process, Reuters reported.

    The CMA also proposed that agreements could be exempted either by meeting existing market share thresholds or by showing that at least three competing technologies are available, ensuring that licensing arrangements do not harm competition.

    Source: Reuters