Commons second reading: Intellectual Property Bill

The Minister for Universities and Science, Mr David Willetts, opened the debate on behalf of the Government. The Shadow Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Mr Iain Wright, responded on behalf of the Opposition.

The bill passed second reading on question without a vote.

• Watch the second reading of the Intellectual Property Bill on Parliament TV
• Read Commons Hansard: Second reading of the Intellectual Property Bill
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Intellectual Property

Related information

Summary of the Intellectual Property Bill

A Bill to make provision about intellectual property. The main purpose of the Bill is to modernise certain aspects of the law relating to intellectual property (“IP”), in order to ensure that the IP system operates more efficiently, is clearer and more accessible, thus increasing legal certainty.

Progress of the Bill

The Bill was introduced into the Commons on 29 August 2013.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Intellectual Property Bill and find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

• Follow Bills before Parliament: Intellectual Property Bill
• About Parliament: Passage of a Bill

House of Commons Library Analysis

The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. The Library has published a briefing paper for the second reading.

• Read Library Briefing Paper: Intellectual Property Bill

What happens at second reading?

At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
 
The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion ‘that the bill be now read a second time’. MPs then debate the bill.
At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.
 
Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement a division is called and a vote taken.

What happens after second reading?

Following agreement to the programme motion, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.

Watching proceedings from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.

• How to attend a debate in the Chamber or in Westminster Hall

This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.