Steward meaning

In this issue: UK Competition Policy UK private actions UK Subsidy control EU State aid Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Caselex UK Competition Policy Caselex UK Competition Policy Doug Gurr appointed as interim Chair of CMA following resignation of Marcus Bokkerink The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the CMA published a joint press release confirming that the Secretary of State for Business and Trade has accepted the resignation of CMA Chair Marcus Bokkerink and named Doug Gurr as interim Chair. The release explains that the move followed a meeting between the Business Secretary and the Chancellor and senior regulators, who were urged to ‘tear down the barriers hindering business and refocus their efforts on promoting growth’. Gurr’s temporary appointment is described as being ‘in a bid to boost growth and support the economy’. Bokkerink embarked on a five-year term as CMA Chair in September 2022. Gurr currently serves as Director...

Brands now have the tools to allow them to challenge supermarket packaging that strays too close to their own branding, according to analysis in the sector. However, in-house counsel must carefully check their businesses possess adequate and relevant trade mark cover from the outset before mounting any such case through the courts. Securing these rights upfront is therefore critical to any enforcement strategy in practice. Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s co-head of IP, Geoff Steward, said that with appropriate packaging trade mark registrations in place, UK brand-owners can effectively call time on supermarket own-brands free-riding on their brand IP. Thatchers’ Cider Co Ltd issued a trade mark infringement claim against Aldi in 2022. It argued the German budget supermarket had adopted packaging for its Taurus cloudy lemon cider that infringed a trade mark Thatchers held for its own lemon-flavoured beverage. In Thatchers Cider Company Ltd v Aldi Stores Ltd [2024] EWHC 88 (IPEC), the High Court decided Aldi’s pack did not mislead consumers into thinking the product was connected with Thatchers....

The IFS outlined several policy proposals in a report that it said would address the current challenges facing the UK pensions system and help to solve the problems future generations of retirees might face Produced with the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, the study urges an overhaul of the UK state pension alongside steps to lift private pension saving and improve means-tested help for low-paid workers. It also recommends stronger guidance so people can steward their assets through retirement. Paul Johnson, the IFS Director and co-author, noted there is 'much to celebrate' about the pensions landscape, yet cautioned that policymakers risk complacency. He warned: 'Without decisive action, too many of today's working-age population face lower living standards and greater financial insecurity through their retirement'. Over two-and-a-half years, the review identified priorities to safeguard savers’ futures, from rising pressures on public finances as the population ages to the widespread shortfall in saving that leaves many without an adequate income in later life...

This Practice Note sets out the responsibilities of manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers and distributors under Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). It further considers enforcement and sanctioning under the CRA and explains what the new obligations mean for organisations in practical terms. For additional background and scope on the CRA, see the following Practice Notes: The EU Cyber Resilience Act—overview and regulatory framework The EU Cyber Resilience Act—scope and classification of products The CRA is landmark EU legislation introducing mandatory cybersecurity requirements for ‘products with digital elements’ across the EU. Any product that fails to meet those requirements will be ineligible for placement on the EU market from December 2027. Accordingly, adherence to the CRA will be critical for securing access to the EU market for both hardware and software products. Manufacturers, importers and distributors of such products will shoulder extensive cybersecurity duties and risk substantial fines where they do not comply. The CRA was published in the Official Journal...

Sustainable management of water resources Oversight of sustainable water resource management sits with government, the Environment Agency (EA), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and water companies, working together to steward supplies. Many industries depend on abstracting water to make their products, and the twin pressures of droughts and floods can sharply limit what is available. The abstraction and impoundment licensing regime therefore manages resources by securing sufficient supply whilst protecting the environment. Its importance grows in water‑stressed regions (for example where demographic pressures in South East England are acute), and is tied to time‑limited licences, with periodic review, enabling the regulator to react more effectively to climate change impacts. This Practice Note summarises the core legislative and policy framework governing water abstraction and impounding in England and Wales. It also reviews proposals to reform the regime by incorporating it within the environmental permitting system. For further details on water abstraction and impounding licence applications, determinations and enforcement, see Practice Note: Water Abstraction and impounding licences—applications and determinations...