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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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Binoy Joseph v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 116 ( TC) HMRC requested details concerning the taxpayer’s employment with Alpha Republic Ltd ( ARL) for 2020–21, suspecting the use of disguised remuneration. It considered ARL to be operating an avoidance arrangement involving workers, paying a wage pegged at the national minimum wage ( NMW) and a further amount described as ‘commission’. According to HMRC, PAYE and National Insurance contributions ( NICs) were applied only to the NMW portion of pay. Although the taxpayer was not obliged to file a self‑assessment income tax return for 2020–21, HMRC first made informal enquiries and then, on 6 November 2023, issued a ‘taxpayer notice’ (an information notice) under paragraph 1 of Schedule 36 to the Finance Act 2008 ( FA 2008). That power permits HMRC to seek information or documents reasonably required for the purpose of checking a person’s tax...
Context The Strategy rests on a range of EU legislative measures and instruments. Chief among them is Regulation ( EU) 2022/850 on the e‑ CODEX system, establishing a computerised framework for secure cross‑border exchange of judicial data. Through protected services, this platform lets judicial authorities communicate, simplifying cooperation between them. In addition, Regulation ( EU) 2020/1784 on service of documents and Regulation ( EU) 2020/1783 on taking of evidence mandate interoperable IT systems based on e‑ CODEX for digital communications in civil and commercial matters from May 2025 onwards. The ‘ Digitalisation Package’— Regulation ( EU) 2023/2844 and Directive ( EU) 2023/2843 on digitalising cross‑border judicial cooperation and access to justice—sits at the heart of the EU’s e‑ Justice policy agenda. These instruments allow natural and legal persons, and their representatives, to communicate electronically via a European electronic access point. They further permit...
Mergers The Commission approved the takeover of: exclusive control of the pharmaceutical solutions arm of International Flavours and Fragrances Inc. ......
R (oao Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union) v HMRC [2025] EWHC 296 ( Admin) Supplies of catering generally bear the standard rate of VAT, as they sit outside the zero rate in Group 1 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994 ( VATA 1994), and are excluded from that relief. An exception applies where catering is supplied in close connection with an educational supply by an eligible body, in which case exemption may arise under VATA 1994, Sch 9, Group 6, Item 4. It was common ground the Union was not an eligible body for the purposes of VATA 1994, Sch 9, Group 6. The dispute concerned how the concession in paragraph 5.5 of HMRC Notice 709/1 should be construed and applied......
Islam- Wright v Arts Council England and C Ashcroft: 2408555/2022 In a decision dated 13 February 2025, Employment Judge Rhodri Mc Donald determined that the government-funded arts body undermined its employment relationship with the claimant, Islam- Wright, by summoning her to a disciplinary hearing prompted by hasty comments she made after a grant was controversially awarded to a gay rights organisation that excluded transgender people. He recorded that there was no solid basis for questioning the sincerity of her apology, despite it having been dismissed as not a genuine apology. Judge Mc Donald further concluded that notifying the claimant that she was required to attend a disciplinary hearing would have constituted a breach of the implied term. The circumstances of this case are connected to those considered in Fahmy v Arts Council England ET Case No 6000042/2022 (see News Analysis: Employee holding gender...
R (on the application of MV) v Lewisham London Borough Council [2025] EWHC 280 ( Admin) What are the practical implications of this case? Public bodies must ensure they apply the latest policies when taking decisions. In this matter, the London Borough of Lewisham relied on an out-of-date housing policy, so the decision was set aside. After identifying the initial error, the defendant acted prudently and withdrew the later decision to enable a fresh application. Nonetheless, the judgment is a clear reminder to local authorities and housing associations to make sure current policies and procedures are effectively circulated to everyone operating within their organisations, especially those who take decisions. The November 2022 decision was manifestly flawed because it rested on the previous housing allocations policy. That misstep was entirely avoidable. The case also underlines the need to review and refresh policies so that...
Mergers CMA issues interim report in GXO/ Wincanton merger phase 2 investigation; provisionally finds competition concerns The CMA has published its interim report and interim notice on the completed takeover of Wincanton Plc ( Wincanton) by GXO Logistics, Inc ( GXO). GXO is the world’s largest contract logistics services company. Wincanton, a UK‑based business, also provides these services. Both organisations supply mainstream contract logistics services ( CLS) to business customers in retail—such as groceries, fashion, and apparel—and in non‑retail—such as manufacturing and construction—sectors. In its phase 1 review, the CMA determined that the merger gives rise to a realistic prospect of an SLC, stemming from horizontal and unilateral effects in the provision of mainstream CLS across the UK......
The Financial Conduct Authority has secured approval to participate in the landmark car finance hearing expected to shape the industry’s future. However, the Supreme Court instead refused leave to the leading trade body, the Finance & Leasing Association. A ministry spokesperson said the finance ministry was likewise refused permission to intervene in the case, adding that it would still “monitor it closely” closely. The department had sought to take part in the hearing, concerned that an outcome in favour......
See Q& A: Can a joint tenancy be severed after the death of one of the joint owners if it was intended to be severed in lifetime but the severance was not completed? For comprehensive guidance on severing an equitable joint tenancy, please refer to the Practice Note: Severance of a joint tenancy......
EUIPO v Neoperl AG Case C‑93/23 P What are the practical implications of this case? The Court of Justice confirmed boundaries on the General Court’s ability to amend rulings of the EUIPO Board of Appeal, a principle that may extend to other EU bodies’ determinations. Primary appraisal of facts and proof lies with the EUIPO Board of Appeal, not the General Court. The General Court cannot deploy its power to modify an outcome when that outcome was not issued by the EUIPO, as that would entail a first‑instance assessment of facts or evidence. It further clarifies that Article 7 of Regulation ( EC) 207/2009 contains self‑standing grounds; they need not be applied sequentially, or even all addressed, to refuse registration of an applied‑for trade mark. In effect, its review cannot replace the Board’s initial factual appraisal or transform the proceedings into a...
New Risk & Compliance forecast as at 18 February 2025 Our Risk and Compliance forecast, current as at 18 February 2025, maps forthcoming regulatory shifts relevant to risk and compliance, helping you plan for developments that may affect your organisation. It merits a thorough read, though we highlight a few priority items below. New items we’re tracking this month Data Essentials training and assurance programme for SMEs — The ICO intends to introduce a Data Essentials training and assurance programme for SMEs in 2025–26. See: Data protection, AI and cyber security. JMLSG consultation on revisions to Part I of its Guidance — The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group has launched a consultation on proposed updates to Part I of its Guidance, closing on 28 March 2025......
Key elements of the AI system definition Given the wide variety of AI systems, the guidance cannot offer a complete list. Each system must be evaluated on its own particular characteristics. The EU AI Act adopts a lifecycle-oriented approach and characterises an AI system as: a machine-based system designed to operate with differing degrees of autonomy that may show adaptability after deployment and, for explicit or implicit aims infers from the inputs it receives how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can affect physical or virtual environments This seven-part definition spans two main stages: pre-deployment (building phase) and post-deployment (use phase). The seven elements need not be present throughout both stages; some may appear only at one point. The following offers a brief summary of each of the seven points listed...
Following the Judicial Council’s meeting on 31 January 2025, draft changes to the Personal Injuries Guidelines (the Draft Amended Guidelines) were formally sent to the Minister for Justice under section 7 (2B) of the Judicial Council Act 2019 (the Act). Proposed Changes Quantum of Awards As required by the Act and its provisions, which govern this area, the Judicial Council Committee is obliged to review the Personal Injury Guidelines (the Guidelines) within three years of their commencement and initial adoption. The version released on 11 December 2024 recommends an overall uplift of 16.7% in awards, intended to account for what was described as ‘significant global and national inflation’ that had occurred over the three years since the Guidelines first came into force. For example, a moderate neck injury currently carries a compensatory range of €12,000–€23,000 under the existing Guidelines; under the Draft Amended...
The statement follows: The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ( CCPC) serves as the designated competent authority for Articles 30, 31 and 32 of the Digital Services Act 2024 ( DSA), covering consumer-facing online platform operators (marketplaces) that enable consumers to enter into distance contracts. The CCPC will assume fresh oversight and enforcement duties regarding online marketplaces’ adherence to rules set out;......
Deputy Judge David Quest KC In a High Court judgment handed down on 12 February 2025, Deputy Judge David Quest KC concluded that Clarendon Dental Spa ( Leeds) Ltd ( CDS Ltd) did not make false statements to Zurich Insurance Plc, and that the Swiss insurer cannot advance that contention in its defence. Zurich maintained that CDS Ltd should have revealed that two former corporate partners connected to the business had gone into liquidation. The judge, however, said he was satisfied the company answered the question Zurich actually asked when the policy was arranged, adding that the proposed misrepresentation allegation has no real prospect of success and cannot be introduced by amendment. The dispute follows claims issued in 2023 by CDS Ltd and Clarendon Dental Spa LLP ( CDS LLP), the property owner, against Zurich and Aviva over losses from a 2021 fire at the...
Wuhu Ruyi Xinbo Investment Partnership ( Ltd Partnership) v Shandong Ruyi Technology Group Co, Ltd and another [2024] SGHC 308 What are the practical implications of this case? The Singapore High Court has affirmed its full case management powers when asked to enforce a New York Convention award. Article III provides that each Contracting State must recognise arbitral awards as binding and enforce them in accordance with the procedural rules of the forum, thereby subjecting the enforcement of a Convention award to the procedural law of the enforcing State. The High Court held—consistent with the English High Court’s ruling in Diag Human SE v Czech Republic [2014] 1 All ER ( Comm) 605—that this extends to the court’s ability to impose sanctions, including the dismissal of the proceedings themselves. The decision underscores that applications for recognition and enforcement are managed under local...
Re Farfetch Ltd (in liquidation) [2024] EWHC 3340 ( Ch) What are the practical implications of this case? The ruling sets out pragmatic points for insolvency practitioners. JOLS should employ a phased method to gathering information, with the court entertaining applications only where initial steps are inadequate. Written questions ought to be tried and exhausted before any oral examination, and a clear explanation is required for why written answers alone would not be adequate. The court articulated a workable scheme to address confidentiality, including requiring liquidation committee members to give formal acknowledgements of their confidentiality duties. In cross‑border situations, jurisdiction must be determined before liquidators seek orders against individuals living abroad. Resolving jurisdiction early is crucial before advancing substantive applications. Practitioners must provide cogent evidence of possession when seeking document production orders. Courts may adopt a practical stance by preserving potentially relevant...
Mobile Telecommunications Co KSCP, which trades as Zain Group Mobile Telecommunications Co KSCP, trading as Zain Group, has challenged a decision that the English courts lacked authority to serve a bankruptcy petition on Prince Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Bankruptcy legislation requires an individual to have a ‘place of residence’ in England before jurisdiction is engaged. The prince convinced the High Court that he had no residence in the UK, but the telecoms company asked the Court of Appeal to set that conclusion aside. Stephen Moverley Smith KC of XXIV Old Buildings, for Mobile Telecommunications, told the Court of Appeal that Parliament intended the gateway to bankruptcy jurisdiction to be broad—and that the court should give effect to that intention. ‘ Parliament’s intention was to provide a wide basis for the court to assume jurisdiction’, he said. Moverley Smith further argued that to...
Arthur Simmers against Green Cat Renewables Ltd plus another [2025] CSOH 11 What was the background?...
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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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