Related insights: Commercial Disputes
Living sustainably with unsustainable prices: Retailers told to "not be daunted" by the net zero journey as incremental changes are key
11 Aug 2022
As the UK economy faces up to the challenge of rapid decarbonisation, important changes must be made by both retailers and consumers in order to achieve the targets that have been set. The UK has one of the most vibrant and dynamic retail industries in the world; it accounts for 5% of our economy, contributes £17billion in business taxes and has a higher productivity growth than almost any other industry. However, the retail industry contributes roughly 215 million tonnes of Co2 emissions per year.
Small changes make a big difference: the ASA's stance on greenwashing and misleading advertising
06 Jun 2022
We spoke to Miles Lockwood, leader of the Climate Change and Environmental Project at the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), about the issues surrounding greenwashing and misleading advertising, and what businesses can do in order to comply with the rules.
Russia sanctions – what businesses need to know
10 Mar 2022
Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss announced that the UK is "inflicting devastating economic pain on Putin and Russia following its unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine".
Six-figure benchmark in compensation for serious libel
19 Aug 2021
Two high profile judgments have been handed down by the High CouTwo high profile judgments have been handed down by the High Court in Hijazi v Yaxley-Lennon [2021] EWHC 2008 and Lachaux v Evening Standard [2021] EWHC 1797. They have set a benchmark in compensation for serious libel.
Brexit and patents
02 Jul 2021
As the European patent regime is not an instrument of the European Union ("EU"), it has remained largely unaffected by Brexit. The European Patent Convention 2000 and its various protocols are not part of the accumulated body of EU law. The current membership of the European Patent Office numbers 38 countries, which is a far greater number than the current 27 member states of the EU. The membership of the United Kingdom ("UK") to the Patent Cooperation Treaty also remains unaffected.
Brexit and designs
18 May 2021
Since 1 January 2021, the scope of protection afforded by registered Community designs ("RCDs") has not extended to the United Kingdom ("UK"). However, each owner of a RCD that was registered and published before or on 31 December 2020 has been granted a comparable registered and enforceable IP right in the UK, known as the 're-registered design' – hereafter "RRD" – which came into force automatically and free of charge on 1 January 2021.
Womble Bond Dickinson advises beneficiaries in landmark trust case
16 Apr 2021
The Private Client team at Womble Bond Dickinson recently advised the beneficiaries of a complex family trust on unlocking distributions of capital that were tied up in a historic trust structure. The process required an application to Court for consideration of whether the trustees had the ability to make the capital advancements, using the statutory powers available to them under the Trustee Act 1925.
FCA test case: disruption in the new normal
15 Sep 2020
The judgment in the FCA test case concerning the operation of several non-damage business interruption insurance clauses has been handed down today. Groups representing policyholders are claiming victory, however, beyond the headlines is a complex and nuanced judgment. Nevertheless some broad themes can be discerned and insurers will want to consider these and re-assess their approach to all business interruption claims and not just those arising from COVID-19.
Changing the face of witness statements
09 Apr 2020
Following recommendations made by the Commercial Court Witness Evidence Working Group (WEWG) in December 2019, some limited amendments to witness statements and the statement of truth took effect on 6 April 2020. While the reforms are far from radical (the majority of the WEWG did not favour radical reform), the courts are likely to take a tougher approach in circumstances where a witness statement has been clearly over worked by lawyers. We examine the issues and consider the implications for solicitors, parties to litigation and their insurers.
D&O: de facto directors and policy implications
18 Oct 2019
D&O policies typically provide cover for claims and investigations against directors including de facto directors. But exactly what does de facto director mean? We explain why it matters and examine a recent High Court decision which helps clarify this difficult question for insurers and insureds alike.
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