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Semi-conductors meaning

What does Semi-conductors mean?
In legal practice, “semi-conductors” usually refers to integrated circuits (chips) and, in particular, the layered layout (topography) of their interconnections formed in semiconducting material, rather than the material itself. The term is descriptive; the legally protected subject-matter is the layout-design (topography) of a semiconductor product, which is defined in legislation. Across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, protection is provided by the Layout-Designs (Topographies) of Semiconductor Products Regulations 1989 (implementing Directive 87/54/EEC). In Ireland, materially equivalent protection applies under national legislation implementing the same Directive. Usage and scope are broadly consistent across these jurisdictions. This sui generis intellectual property right grants the owner exclusive rights to reproduce and commercially exploit the topography for a limited period (generally 10 years from first commercial exploitation or as otherwise provided), subject to statutory exceptions (for example, acts for analysis, evaluation or teaching). Semiconductor topographies are not protected by copyright or UK unregistered design right; instead they are covered by the above regime. Patents may protect novel semiconductor devices, circuits or fabrication processes, and trade secrets can protect underlying know-how. Registered designs may protect the external package appearance, not the internal layout. Typical legal work includes clearance, licensing and assignments, infringement (including unauthorised manufacture, import...
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View the related News about Semi-conductors

NEWS
Banking and finance weekly: ECCTA measures, Takeover Code changes, Supreme Court shipping ruling, FCA transparency and consolidated tape, ring-fencing reforms, green loans and ESG disclosures, sanctions (14 November 2024)

In this issue: Sustainable finance and ESG weekly round-up Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 Lending Acquisition finance Shipping finance Real estate finance Sustainable finance Debt capital markets Derivatives Regulation for banking lawyers Sanctions Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Useful information Sustainable finance and ESG weekly round-up For a summary of this week’s Sustainable finance and ESG developments, see Sustainable finance and ESG weekly round-up—14 November 2024. Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (Commencement No 3) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/1108): Provisions in ECCTA 2023 on civil recovery of cryptoassets in Scotland took effect on 7 November 2024, and measures introducing the UK-wide offence of failure to prevent fraud will commence on 1 September 2025. See: LNB News 07/11/2024 12. Unique Identifiers (Application of Company Law) Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/Draft): These draft Regulations would widen...

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NEWS
Third-party beneficial interest in FMH: parental annexe funding creates 12% share; sale ordered; checklist for MCA 1973 s24A(6)—Family Court (England and Wales) (A v N (R intervening))

A v N (R intervening) [2025] EWFC 371 (B) What was the background? The applicant wife (W) and the respondent husband (H) wed in March 1996 after living together for two years, amounting to a near three-decade marriage when the cohabitation is counted. The intervenor was W’s mother (R). The parties had five children; only the youngest, T, now aged 15, remains under 18, although several of the older children have continued to reside in the family property. The former matrimonial home (FMH) was acquired on 13 February 2012 in H and W’s joint names. It was accepted by both that the purchase would not have been possible without funds from R, and that from the outset the plan was for R to share the FMH with them. The completion statement recorded a £130,000 contribution from R towards the £881,161 price, described as a ‘mother gifted deposit’. The chosen property was specifically selected so that semi-independent accommodation could be constructed for R’s eventual occupation, identified in the judgment as...

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NEWS
International trade briefing, 3 April 2025: US suspends WTO funding; half-reciprocal US tariffs; HMRC import/export customs guidance; LexTalk International Trade community and alerts

In this issue: WTO Trade in goods Customs LexTalk® International Trade: a Lexis®Nexis community Daily and weekly news alerts WTO US halts financial contributions to the World Trade Organisation. MLex: The US has paused its financial contributions to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) while a review of all overseas aid contributions is undertaken, a US government official said. See News Analysis: US suspends financial contributions to World Trade Organisation. Trade in goods Trump announces semi-reciprocal tariffs on most US trading partners. MLex: President Donald Trump stated his administration is applying reciprocal tariffs on imports from US trading partners, totalling...

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View the related Practice Notes about Semi-conductors

PRACTICE NOTES
UK and cross-border planning for same-sex marriages and civil partnerships: recognition, matrimonial property regimes, IHT, CGT and succession

Interaction of matrimonial and other laws Marriage may alter the parties’ rights in one or more of the following respects in practice: Matrimonial contract and property regimes English law has long recognised that the law of the matrimonial domicile can import foreign notions of matrimonial contracts and property regimes. The extent to which any such regime governs only movables, or extends to immovables, remains uncertain at present. In June 2016, the EU brought in rules for recognising matrimonial regimes applicable to marriages and registered partnerships. Both mixed-sex and same-sex marriages and registered partnerships may fall within matrimonial property regimes as appropriate. Accordingly, recording a marriage or registered partnership can impact proprietary entitlements in practice. See Practice Note: Forced heirship and succession law — Matrimonial property regime for additional detail where relevant and necessary. Taxation Spouses and civil partners receive preferential tax treatment in many jurisdictions, including exemptions or reliefs on taxes on death or lifetime gifts, and also with respect to capital gains tax (CGT),...

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PRACTICE NOTES
London Maritime Arbitration under the LMAA Terms 2021: Commencement, Procedural Timetable, Case Management and Hearings

The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Terms 2021 (the Terms) Where the parties agree, the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Terms 2021 (the Terms) govern arbitrations commenced on or after 1 May 2021. These Terms replaced the LMAA Terms 2017, which applied to references started between 1 May 2017 and 30 April 2021. If an arbitration agreement stipulates arbitration under the Terms, parties should ensure the procedural route is clearly understood. Second Schedule: the principal source of guidance on LMAA arbitral procedure. Body of the Terms: the tribunal’s procedural powers, especially paragraphs 15, 16 and 17. Sixth Schedule: additional guidance addressing the conduct of virtual and semi-virtual hearings. Fourth Schedule: guidelines aimed at enhancing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of LMAA arbitration. Taken together, these provisions set out how proceedings under the Terms should be conducted...

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PRACTICE NOTES
European Commission Phase II review: Aurubis/Metallo merger cleared unconditionally; copper and copper scrap procurement/refining assessment (M.9409)

CASE HUB ARCHIVED This archived case hub reflects the position as at the decision of 4 May 2020 and is no longer maintained. For further details, see the timeline and commentary. Case facts Outline European Commission merger investigation into Aurubis AG’s proposed acquisition of Metallo Group Holding NV (Case M.9409). The deal features horizontal overlaps in the markets for copper and copper scrap destined for refining. Latest developments On 4 May 2020, the Commission cleared the transaction without conditions. Parties Aurubis AG (Aurubis) Germany-based Aurubis is a global supplier of non-ferrous metals and Europe’s largest integrated copper producer. It treats copper concentrates and scrap to make copper cathodes and refining by-products. It also supplies copper shapes and semi-finished copper, plus copper alloy goods including flat-rolled material, bars, rods and wires. Metallo Group Holding NV (Metallo) Belgium-based Metallo works in the recycling, processing and trading of non-ferrous metals. It refines copper scrap to produce copper anodes, copper cathodes, tin, lead...

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PRECEDENTS
County Court Particulars of Claim Precedent: Bus Passenger Injury from Sudden Pull-Away — Negligence, Vicarious Liability and breach of the Public Service Vehicles (Conduct) Regulations 1990 (England and Wales)

Claim No. [ insert claim number ] In the COUNTY COURT AT [ insert ] Between: Mrs a.b. Claimant -and- C.d. Limited Defendant PARTICULARS OF CLAIM At all times relevant to these proceedings: The Defendant owned a bus, registration number [ insert registration number ] (“the bus”); The bus was driven and/or operated by a servant or agent of the Defendant (whose identity is unknown to the Claimant) whilst acting within the scope of their employment or agency (“the driver”). Accordingly, the Defendant is vicariously liable for any negligent acts or omissions and/or breaches of statutory duty committed by that employee or agent; The bus and the driver were governed by the Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 (as amended) (“the Regulations”); and The Claimant was a fare-paying passenger aboard the bus. At or about [ insert time ] on [ insert date ],...

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