As for breaking the protocol surely that was because the EU was delaying food exports from the UK mainland and EU. NI supermarkets, we were given to understand were experiencing severe shortages and Boris decided to take action, and it was later proved that protocol had not been breached because food shortages came under emergency protocols reliefs.
As mentioned earlier if the EU did ignore patent rights then it would probably shoot itself in the foot, as far is future investment is concerned, the EU cannot wield the big stick with the same power as the Chinese.
The French would probably be quite happy to invade the UK now that they are allied with Germany, but wouldn't have the balls to do it on their own, we would not need Armies or Navies, just repel them with hypodermic needles as they have an aversion to them.