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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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Iconix Luxembourg Holdings SARL v Dream Pairs Europe Inc and another [2025] UKSC 25 Background Iconix, owner of the UMBRO sportswear label, is the registered holder of two trade marks (the UMBRO Trade Marks), which have appeared as logos on football boots in the UK since 1987. From 2018, Dream Pairs has offered a range of footwear in the UK bearing a logo (the DP Sign) via Amazon and e Bay. Iconix has commenced these proceedings against Dream Pairs for infringing the UMBRO Trade Marks by using the DP Sign on footwear, relying on section 10(2) of the Trade Marks Act 1994 ( TMA 1994)......
What is the background to the Pension Schemes Bill? The Pension Schemes Bill reached the House of Commons on 5 June 2025, which was hardly unexpected. It had featured in the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament for the new Labour Government in July 2024, and has been referenced on numerous occasions since. As is common with pensions legislation, it was designed to encompass a variety of issues, several of which had been under consideration by the Department of Work and Pensions ( DWP) for some years. Accordingly, its eventual arrival was widely anticipated. What are the key measures/provisions in the Bill? The Bill is arranged in five parts. The first part concentrates on defined benefit ( DB) schemes and addresses two quite distinct matters: Asset pooling for the Local Government Pension Scheme. Allowing trustees to agree to the return of surplus in a DB scheme to the...
Mergers The Commission cleared joint control acquisition of Karafun Group SAS by Vendis Capital IV BV/ SRL and Verlinvest SA ( M.12024) after phase I investigation—see further, Midday Express. Commission received notifications: APMC/ BYC/ Berge Infraestructuras Y Servicios Logisticos ( M.11938) (simplified merger procedure) ICG/ Capiton/ DEC ( M.12027) (simplified merger procedure) Platinum Equity Group/ Solo Group ( M.12036) (simplified merger procedure) Commission published public version of its decision in A- Ware Dairy & Cream/ The Dairy Food Group ( M.11699)—see further, decision. Note— For live merger investigations before the Commission, see further, EU mergers—ongoing cases tracker. Upcoming dates For dates of forthcoming EU competition developments, see further, EU Competition calendar......
Smart v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 701 ( TC) The taxpayer was a member of a limited liability partnership within a Brazilian financial group (‘ BTG’) whose operations encompassed investment banking, advisory services, and wealth and asset management. On joining the partnership, he was required to acquire shares in various other group entities, with those acquisitions funded by loans advanced by connected entities. Several of these entities paid ‘interest on net equity’ (‘ JCP’) in respect of the shares he held. It was accepted that JCP is chargeable as a dividend from a non- UK company (section 402 of the Income Tax ( Trading and Other Income) Act 2005), or, where the paying vehicle is transparent for tax purposes, as property income ( ITTOIA 2005, ss 268–271). The dispute concerned JCP over three years which was either reinvested in additional shares or applied towards...
A You Gov poll commissioned by Protect, a whistleblowing charity, indicates that those aged 18 to 24 are less inclined to raise concerns with their employer than all older generations. However, the poll also found that Gen Z are more likely to reveal wrongdoing on social media and to journalists... Sybille Raphael, Protect’s legal director, noted that Gen Z are less certain about what to report to employers and how. ‘ Despite perceptions that Gen Z are more vocal than other generations about poor behaviour in the workplace, our research shows they are less likely to blow the whistle......
1st Formations Ltd v Lapp Industries Ltd [2025] EWHC 1526 ( TCC) What are the practical implications of this case? This decision underscores that the courts will adopt a common-sense, pragmatic approach to the content of a payee’s notice under the HGCRA 1996 and Part II of the Scheme for Construction Contracts (the Scheme), resisting unduly narrow readings. So long as the notice makes sufficiently clear what sum is sought and the footing for the claim, the court will not seek to interfere or hunt for defects that might render the notice void or ineffectual. Here, the payee’s documents were plainly recognisable as an interim application; they identified the amount asserted as due and the basis upon which that figure had been worked out. The TCC further confirmed that a payment notice is not invalid merely because it asks for a figure below the amount stated as due. If a...
Regulating how minors access and use online services, including those run by platforms, has swiftly risen to the top of the agenda for regulators across the EU, the UK and globally in recent policy discussions and enforcement priorities. On 13 May 2025, the European Commission issued draft guidelines on safeguarding children online under the EU Digital Services Act ( EU DSA). Their purpose is to help platforms shield minors from illegal material while ensuring their security and privacy, in line with the EU DSA. The guidelines, directed at all online platforms that can be reached by minors, describe procedures for evaluating risks to young users and set out the measures that providers of online platform services should adopt to mitigate those risks and meet the requirements of Article 28 of the EU DSA. Which platforms are accessible to minors? The guidelines state that...
Analysis of changes to the Immigration Rules in HC 836 This review outlines the key amendments to the Immigration Rules (the Rules) contained in HC 836. The Statement of Changes, accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum ( EM), was published on 24 June 2025. For advice on interpreting a Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, see Practice Note: Sources of immigration law and their legal status. Implementation Commencement dates differ and are set out in each section below. Most provisions take effect on 16 or 29 July 2025, with certain measures commencing on 17 July 2025. Appendix EU A substantial revision alters the definition of ‘continuous qualifying period’. Where a person with pre-settled status has not been continuously resident in the UK since the end of the transition period at 11pm GMT on 31 December 2020, they may still qualify for settled status if they hold...
BGC Services Holdings LLP v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 700 ( TC) In March 2024, HMRC issued PAYE determinations exceeding £96m under SI 2003/2682, reg 80, concerning the salaried members rules (sections 863A–863G of the Income Tax ( Trading and Other Income) Act 2005) for the 2017–18 to 2019–20 tax years, stating that “the accompanying determination letters are self explanatory”. The taxpayer appealed to HMRC and then to the FTT, asserting that: the salaried member rules were not engaged even if they applied, the quantum was wrong extended assessment time limits (beyond four years) were unavailable, so 2017/18 and 2018/19 were not assessable HMRC had failed to particularise within the determinations why additional income tax was said to arise The taxpayer contended the determinations were defective and that no extra income tax was payable. HMRC applied to the FTT for directions that the taxpayer should provide further and better...
Millbrook Healthcare Ltd v Devon County Council [2025] EWHC 744 ( TCC) What are the practical implications of this case? Millbrook contended that removing the automatic suspension would damage its reputation, diminish its capacity to compete in later procurements, and erode market share, so that an award of damages would not be an adequate remedy in the circumstances as they stood. Notably, in open correspondence at the time Millbrook stated it would agree to the suspension being lifted if Devon County Council acknowledged that each pleaded breach of duty, if established at trial, would be sufficiently serious to merit an award of damages. The TCC was therefore asked to decide whether, at the interim stage of the proceedings, judges can meaningfully evaluate the chance of a claimant being left without an effective remedy by the time of trial. Put...
Employment Judge Zeenat Islam held that the Greenwood Academies Trust in northern England is required to compensate Mary- Ann Pearson after dismissing her amid concerns she failed to report that a pupil had been sexually abused and had become pregnant, even though staff as a whole were unaware of what was taking place. In a decision issued on 24 June 2025, Judge Islam expressed the tribunal’s concern about a regrettable attempt to single out the claimant for what was plainly a systemic failing. The ruling also recorded a complete refusal by the respondent’s witnesses to consider or reflect upon what were clearly systemic and institutional safeguarding shortcomings. According to the judgment, Pearson served as a physical education teacher at the trust for 18 years and, acting as a form tutor, mentored a 12-year-old pupil until her dismissal in 2023. Management...
Mergers Commission unconditionally clears Liberty Media/ Dorna merger after phase II The Commission granted unconditional approval for Liberty Media Corporation ( Liberty Media) to acquire Dorna Sports S. L ( Dorna Sports) after a phase II probe ( M.11539). Liberty Media and Dorna Sports operate as global media firms. Liberty Media holds stakes across a wide spectrum of media, sports and entertainment ventures, including the Formula 1 motorcar competition......
Broker WTW and price comparison site Confused.com WTW and Confused.com, in a joint analysis, argued that market consolidation has driven pricing changes and is set to keep doing so, even with margin pressures. According to the report, the typical UK motor policy now costs £757, down 16% from a June 2024 peak of £901. This update comes after the Competition and Markets Authority approved the £3.7bn tie-up of personal lines insurers Aviva Plc and Direct Line. Together they sit first and third by UK insurance market share, underscoring how scale continues to shape pricing dynamics across the sector today......
‘ Blue Gas Holding’ ( Republic of Poland v PD, Swedish Supreme Court Case No. T 555-24) What are the practical implications of this case? The Swedish Supreme Court has signalled a pro‑arbitration posture in Blue Gas Holding, offering clearer direction on how far the Court of Justice’s Achmea doctrine extends. Put briefly, where a non‑ EU investor’s discrete stake within a broader investment can be identified separately from EU investors’ interests, a tribunal seated in Sweden may take jurisdiction over that individual claim. Consequently, Sweden‑seated tribunals could now accept jurisdiction in scenarios where some tribunals, until recently, might have reached the opposite conclusion. Nonetheless, determining jurisdiction demands a rigorous examination of res judicata, a factor that can complicate proceedings and outcomes. Following Blue Gas Holding, a key issue in mixed investor disputes—those involving both EU and non‑ EU...
Dalton v United Kingdom ( Application no. 5363/24) Background This application relates to the state's positive duty, under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights ( ECHR), to investigate the circumstances of a death. Sean Dalton died in 1988 when an IRA device exploded. Police conducted inquiries but brought no charges at all. The coroner’s inquest found he succumbed to injuries from the blast. The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland condemned the policing, concluding there had not been a thorough inquiry, and said his work was hindered by missing files and some officers’ non-cooperation. The Attorney General for Northern Ireland declined to order a new inquest. The High Court in Northern Ireland rejected a judicial review of that refusal......
Adavya Projects Pvt. Ltd vs M/ S Vishal Structurals Pvt. Ltd Civil Appeal No 5297 of 2025 What are the practical implications of this case? Under section 21 of the A& C Act, a party need not name all parties in the notice of arbitration ( NOA), nor in an application under section 11 seeking appointment of an arbitrator (s 11 Application). The arbitral tribunal may join a party at a subsequent stage; its jurisdiction does not derive from the NOA or the s 11 Application. The Supreme Court has reiterated the tribunal’s authority to determine whether a party has consented to arbitration. Where a non-signatory is impleaded in a s 11 Application, the court must take a prima facie view on the existence of an arbitration agreement between the parties to that application; this view is not binding on the arbitral tribunal. In the end, the arbitral...
The FCA has now released the PISCES sourcebook, following HM Treasury’s publication of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 ( FSMA 2023) ( Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System Sandbox) Regulations 2025, SI 2025/583, which came into effect on 5 June 2025. The clock is ticking for would‑be PISCES platform operators to gain regulatory approval and commence operations. What is PISCES? PISCES introduces a form of intermittent private capital market in the UK. It will function as a secondary venue for trading shares in private companies. Compared with a public market, it gives private businesses greater control over how their shares are marketed and imposes a lighter ongoing compliance burden. Crucially, PISCES is not an additional market, but a distinct type of market. The FCA anticipates multiple firms will seek permission to run PISCES platforms and, at least at the outset, that several PISCES will...
On 2 May 2025, the Supreme Court of the UK declined permission to appeal in The Kingdom of Spain v The London Steam- Ship Owners' Mutual Insurance Association Ltd [2025] UKSC 24 This procedural closure ended the Spanish state’s decades‑long effort to enforce an €855m judgment of its own highest court against the London Steam‑ Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association Ltd, insurer of the ill‑fated M/ T Prestige. Framed by one of Europe’s worst environmental disasters — a vast oil spill off the Galician coast — and a maze of cross‑border legal regimes, the dispute laid bare the increasingly intricate interplay between arbitral sovereignty, foreign state immunity, and the evolving landscape of post‑ Brexit private international law. Across more than twenty years, the litigation became a touchstone for wider tensions: civil law traditions permitting direct tort actions against insurers versus common law’s emphasis on...
Background Over three decades, Europe’s telecommunications regime has taken shape, starting with late‑1980s liberalisation and reaching a milestone with the 2018 European Electronic Communications Code ( EECC), designed to harmonise Member State rules while spurring competition and infrastructure investment. Yet the landscape remains fractured, as differing national rules and enforcement approaches continue to restrict cross‑border operations. Consequently, the build‑out of very high‑capacity networks such as fibre and 5G is patchy and slow, and policies for spectrum assignment vary significantly. Noting these shortcomings, former Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton signalled a new course in his 2024 white paper ‘ How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?’, setting out a vision for an integrated, resilient telecoms market that would accelerate fibre and 5G/6G deployment, remove investment obstacles, and broaden consumer access, especially in underserved or rural areas. Moreover, the Commission’s ‘call for evidence’ of 6 June 2025...
On 17 June 2025, Pension Bee reported findings from a nationally representative poll of 1,000 UK adults, conducted in May 2025, clearly indicating that 57% of workers in the temporary economy are unable to put money aside for a pension scheme. The study, which focused on people either not contributing to a pension, or unsure whether they are making any contributions at all, showed that cost remains the chief barrier to building retirement savings for many. Among non-contributors, 60% of self-employed and freelance participants cited lack of affordability; similarly, 57% of unpaid carers and 46% of those on zero-hours contracts gave the same reason, the data shows from the research. Close to 30% also either did not know how to start pension saving, or considered retirement savings schemes too complex to navigate, according to the research findings in total......
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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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