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Lucasfilm did not benefit in any way at Tyburn Film Productions Ltd's expense, counsel said to the appeals court there on 3 December 2025, in part because it already possessed rights over Cushing's likeness and an agreement and consent from the Cushing estate to 'resurrect' him as Grand Moff Tarkin. Tyburn contends it earlier made an agreement with the late actor then, at the time, granting the company a veto over any use of his image prior to his 1994 death. That contract concerns a TV series titled 'Heritage of Horror', which never aired. Tyburn further asserts the deal permits it to effectively 'resurrect' Cushing using stand-ins and CGI to ultimately finish the programme then if the actor were to die whilst filming remained in progress...
Irish telecom operator Eircom’s damages lawsuit against BT Group over a public-sector contract must be carefully managed to trial to deal with confidentiality issues and other matters, a UK judge told the parties today. At the High Court in London today, a judge said Eircom’s damages action against BT over a public-sector contract needs tight case management through to trial to address confidentiality and related concerns. Eircom brought the claim after Ofcom in 2020 penalised BT for its behaviour during a tender. Speaking to both sides, Judge Adam Johnson urged them to resolve any confidentiality flashpoints themselves and signalled he had no wish to step in unless it became unavoidable. He also expressed confidence that parties would do everything possible to keep confidential designations to a minimum, noting this was necessary to maintain control over the conduct of the trial. He framed this as the
The following document is attached: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/274 dated 5 February 2026, revising Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1981, establishing a final anti-dumping levy on imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware produced in...
Justice Richard Arnold granted AstraZeneca leave to appeal and permitted lorries carrying about 175,000 packs of Glenmark’s generics to move on to wholesalers, provided they did not reach pharmacy shelves while the case continued at any point during those interim proceedings. In this way, Glenmark could keep its first-to-market advantage, while causing only minimal detriment to AstraZeneca should the Court of Appeal later be persuaded to issue an injunction against supply. The judge said this approach maintained the status quo with the least possible prejudice to Glenmark’s position overall. The hearing was arranged at short notice, just days after the High Court refused AstraZeneca an injunction to block the diabetes generic from sale while the court considered whether the patents supporting the branded medicine were valid in law. Glenmark, Generics (UK) Ltd and Teva Pharmaceuticals have each begun proceedings in the UK to set...
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Kent County Council v The Mother, The Father, G (by his Children’s Guardian) and A Hospital Trust [2025] EWHC 1974 ( Fam) What are the practical implications of this case? The practical implications are: A clear reminder that the child’s age is critical. Here, the child was 17, so the local authority could not seek a care order or interim care order under section 31(3) of the Children Act 1989. Although an emergency protection order was theoretically available, its brief duration and limited relevance to these facts meant it was not the answer; the authority’s sole viable course was to ask the court for permission to invoke the inherent jurisdiction. Affirms that a local authority cannot rely on a deprivation of liberty order to force a looked-after child to accept its preferred accommodation or placement. While the court recognised that section 20(6) of the...
The SPP stated it could not back this fresh authority, one of the scarce elements of the Pension Schemes Bill it opposes. Under the Bill, ministers could require pension funds to allocate a specified share to UK investments if voluntary pledges are not honoured. This authority would be kept in abeyance rather than switched on at once, something commentators have compared to a ‘sword of Damocles’ suspended above the pensions landscape......
Concealed within those measures sits section 196 of the Bill, ushering in a far‑reaching broadening of the identification doctrine so that corporate employers are answerable for any offence committed by a senior manager acting under their actual or ostensible authority, in effect. This proposed, radical uplift in organisational liability for employee conduct conspicuously omits several common‑sense protections long seen and applied in other jurisdictions. As presently framed, the legislation indeed risks producing counter‑intuitive results that the Bill’s architects can hardly have intended or envisaged. A modest handful of straightforward, pragmatic tweaks would sharpen the drafting and impose a sensible, workable limiting principle on what is otherwise a major enlargement of the identification doctrine. Identification doctrine expanded Section 196 of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 ( ECCTA 2023) extends the identification doctrine to make companies criminally responsible for specified economic offences...
What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling brings welcome and much-needed certainty for arbitration practitioners in the UAE. Before this ruling, parties encountered divergent practices: some UAE courts demanded that arbitrators sign the dispositive section, the reasons, and/or every page of the award, even though the Federal Arbitration Law No 6 of 2018 (as amended) (the ‘ FAL’) imposed no such stipulation. By contrast, other conflicting judgments accepted that a single signature on the last page was sufficient. The Committee’s alignment with the latter view removes doubt and promotes consistent implementation across the various Emirates. Although the UAE judiciary does not follow a precedent-based system, the Committee’s role is to craft unified judicial principles that improve predictability. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the courts will adhere to this outcome. Practitioners may now advise clients that arbitral awards endorsed solely on the...
Private actions CAT refuses UK music copyright collective action The CAT delivered its judgment in David Alexander de Horne Rowntree v Performing Right Society Limited and PRS for Music Limited, an application seeking a collective proceedings order ( CPO) under CA 1998, s 47B. The claim, brought on behalf of PRS’s songwriter members, disputed the treatment of the so-called “ Black Box” royalties. The CAT refused to issue the CPO, instead upholding PRS’s applications for strike-out and for summary judgment. Background PRS collects and distributes royalties arising from the public performance of musical works in relation to which the performing rights have been assigned to it, as a matter of course where applicable......
How can websites best preserve privacy in tracking users’ consent to targeted online advertising? A landmark Belgian court decision has triggered a rethink of how sites safeguard privacy while logging consent for targeted ads. Spurred by the Brussels Market Court’s May 2025 ruling against adtech trade body IAB Europe’s Transparency and Consent Framework ( TCF) — a consent tool broadly deployed across the EU (see here) — German university professor Max von Grafenstein, founder of legal tech venture Law & Innovation Technology, is designing a fresh mechanism to record and relay consent throughout the ad ecosystem. The IAB proceedings are under close observation because they grapple with fundamental questions about the boundaries of personal data and the identification of controllers. Hundreds of websites and advertisers depend on the TCF to satisfy EU data protection requirements when seeking permission to deliver...
The summary of the appeal follows. Case reference is C-454/25 P. C/2025/4590 25 August 2025 Appeal lodged on 10 July 2025 by Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd, contesting the order of the General Court ( Tenth Chamber) issued on 29 April 2025 in Case T-319/24, Meta Platforms Ireland v European Data Protection Board ( Case C-454/25 P) ( C/2025/4590) Language of the case: English Parties Appellant: Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd (represented by: H.- G.......
On 26 August 2025, the IUMI stated that underwriters might be viewed as facilitating human rights abuses committed by their commercial policyholders. Modern slavery is an expansive concept that includes forced labour, debt bondage and human trafficking. The IUMI highlighted that seafarers face particular danger because many hail from economically disadvantaged regions, endure exploitative recruitment practices and have limited routes to justice. It added that insurers must exercise enhanced due diligence to ensure they are not in any way complicit in sustaining modern slavery. ' Although they may not be directly involved......
The consultation explores revisions to the regulatory regime established under the Gas Act 1986 ( GA 1986). In particular, it reviews the current regulatory framework against three core design principles that guide its evaluation: defining clear roles and responsibilities for market actors, ensuring hydrogen moves safely and reliably from producers to end users providing commercial confidence to parties participating in the market retaining the flexibility needed to evolve towards a competitive market as networks develop and grow Although hydrogen pipelines will share certain characteristics with the established natural (methane) gas network, differences between the markets mean early hydrogen pipeline systems will often be smaller, more self-contained arrangements, with generally shorter pipelines and fewer connected assets. Consequently, initial hydrogen pipeline networks will prioritise power and industrial users, and will therefore be concentrated around existing clusters. Content of the...
Digital markets Commission launches call for evidence on its ongoing Digital Markets Act review and publishes new AI questionnaire To support its continuing assessment of the Digital Markets Act ( DMA), the Commission has issued a call for evidence, alongside a fresh questionnaire inviting opinions specifically on how AI features in that process as well. The Commission is required to carry out a review of the DMA by 3 May 2026, and every three years, and to compile a report on its findings......
Wealmoor Ltd v KLM [2025] EWHC 1706 ( Comm) The facts The claim related to a consignment of fresh green asparagus (‘ Cargo’) flown by air from Lima to London aboard KLM’s aircraft. By the time of the trial it was not in dispute that the Cargo was received by KLM in sound condition but re-delivered to Wealmoor in a damaged state. The shipment had been booked under KLM’s ‘ Fresh 2’ perishables service, stipulating a temperature band of 2–8 degrees Celsius. However, from the point it left Lima Airport for loading onto the aircraft until its arrival in Amsterdam, the Cargo was subjected to elevated ambient heat for well over seven hours. Wealmoor contended that this temperature exposure caused the deterioration and amounted to an ‘event’ within Article 18(1) of the Montreal Convention. KLM disputed that this was the cause of the damage and, in any...
What is the background to TPR’s guidance? As funding positions strengthen and market innovations come through, trustees and employers are encountering a wider suite of financial, governance and insurance tools to meet their schemes’ long-term aims. Insurer buy-out was once viewed as the definitive DB endgame, yet TPR has now confirmed it is not the only route. The guidance is intended to help trustees steer through emerging options, judge their suitability, and make informed choices that improve financial outcomes, strengthen governance and bolster member security. It also emphasises the relevance of scheme-specific circumstances and the importance of obtaining professional advice. What are the key points, aspects, and themes of the guidance? The guidance is framed around several core themes. Endgame planning is no longer a single-track journey, and trustees are encouraged to explore a spectrum of outcomes: aiming for...
UPC’s Court of Appeal declined Expert e- Commerce Gmb H’s bid to have the European Court of Justice opine on whether the UPC’s deadlines for claiming costs are unduly strict. The move followed the German company’s failure to meet the cut-off to recover expenses arising from litigation against Seoul Viosys Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Seoul Semiconductor Co Ltd. The appellate panel stated it has no authority to ask the European Court of Justice to construe the UPC agreement, which, it said, forms part of international law rather than an EU regulation, directive, or act. The court added that the same characterisation extends to its Rules of Procedure as well......
Clegg Food Projects Ltd v Prestige Car Direct Properties Ltd [2025] EWHC 2173 ( TCC) What are the practical implications of this case? Clegg Food v Prestige Car confirms that, in payment disputes over overall or global valuations, adjudicators have wide latitude in their determinations, including making a 'fair and reasonable' valuation drawn from the material and submissions advanced by the parties. Losing parties should take a pragmatic stance when considering enforcement challenges—where the outcome falls within the spectrum advanced by the parties, minor irregularities or high-level reasoning will not unsettle the decision unless there is a material breach of natural justice. Highly detailed natural justice complaints, where both sides sought a global valuation, are very unlikely to succeed. What was the background? The claimant contractor ( Clegg Food) and the defendant employer ( Prestige Car) entered into a JCT Design and Build contract for a leisure and...
Martin and another company v Bodegas San Huberto SA and others [2025] EWHC 1827 ( IPEC) What are the practical implications of this case? While this case does not raise any new points of law, it serves as a clear warning to businesses and legal practitioners to stay alert to intellectual property risks around importation and distribution. Supply networks are often intricate, with legal and commercial factors at nearly every step. Packaging and labelling offer a prime illustration, particularly across food and drink, where market share battles are intense and traders know the value of eye-catching presentation. Yet in crowded markets, the push to attract consumers can unintentionally create intellectual property problems if a protected design is copied or a misleading link with another trader is suggested. The case highlights exposure for intermediaries, even if they only import and distribute and are unaware of any...
A UK accountancy practice’s imminent prosecution for failing to stop tax evasion has thrown a spotlight on the country’s weak track record on enforcement, across this area of compliance, though the proceedings may galvanise a renewed push. Bennett Verby, which operates in northern England, is due to stand trial in September 2027, marking the first corporate case for failing to prevent tax evasion since the offence reached the statute book eight years ago. HMRC, the UK tax authority, has recently charged Bennett Verby with failing to prevent the facilitation of UK tax evasion under section 45 of the Criminal Finances Act 2017. Company representatives appeared before a Manchester court earlier this month. No plea has been entered yet, but the firm will reportedly contest the claims. The failure to prevent tax evasion offence was enacted with fanfare eight years ago, in the wake of the 2016...
Competition policy Commission publishes 2024–2029 timeline for competition policy reviews and reforms The Commission has released a refreshed competition policy timeline (2024—2029) spanning antitrust, merger control, State aid, the Digital Markets Act ( DMA) and the Foreign Subsidies Regulation ( FSR). Key planned actions include: Legislative examinations of Regulation 1/2003 and 773/3004 (the Commission aims to adopt a legislative proposal in Q3 2026), the technology transfer block exemption (the Commission plans to consult on revised drafts in Q3 2025) and the motor vehicle block exemption (the Commission expects to issue a staff working document in Q2 2026 and consult in Q3 2027)......
In this dispute, Deity Shoes holds EU design rights covering several shoe models. It alleged that Mundorama Confort and Stay Design had infringed those rights. Mundorama Confort and Stay Design filed counterclaims seeking invalidity, asserting the contested designs derive from pre-existing designs appearing in catalogues of Deity Shoes’ suppliers, differing only marginally due to customisation of elements such as the sole, laces, or buckles—features steered by fashion trends. Accordingly, they argued the designs do not stem from any ‘genuine design activity’, ‘intellectual effort’ or innovation. The matter reached the Court of Justice via a preliminary reference from the Juzgado de lo Mercantil No 1 de Alicante ( Commercial Court No 1, Alicante, Spain). The AG distilled the referring court’s questions into two points: does an EU design require a ‘genuine design activity’ or ‘intellectual effort’? do fashion trends restrict the...
Mergers The CMA initiated its Phase 1 investigation in relation to the proposed acquisition by Getty Images Holdings, Inc....
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When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...
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