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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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What can we expect from the ASA in the ESG space? In April 2024, the ASA released its 2023 Annual Report, outlining a five‑year plan built on AI‑assisted collective regulation of adverts, shifting the system from complaints‑led cases to proactive monitoring and enforcement. This represents a notable pivot, positioning the ASA as a more visible and agile regulator within ESG. The report confirms that environmental claims continue to be a leading priority for the authority. James Best, Chair of the Committee of Advertising Practice, remarks that arguably the most significant long‑term endeavour of the ASA and CAP has centred on environmental claims. This includes clarifying the meaning of ‘green claims’ and setting expectations for how climate change and mitigating technologies should be presented in adverts. The ASA’s stepped‑up activity demonstrates this focus: in 2023 it issued new guidance on...
Ballard and others v Buzzard (sued as a Representative Beneficiary of any Scheme Members in whose interests it would be for the Claimants not to obtain the relief that they seek) [2024] EWHC 2765 ( Ch) What are the practical implications of this case? Beyond reaffirming the need for documents to be executed in line with the stipulated formalities, this decision demonstrates a welcome, pragmatic solution to flaws in the execution of scheme amendments. Where trustees can point to a substantial body of material showing the parties’ intended outcome, it supports pursuing rectification to address defective execution, either in tandem with, or as an alternative to, construction. The judgment also offers direction on the kinds of materials the court will assess when determining intention on amendments to scheme rules. Alongside witness statements from the trustees in office at the relevant time, the court had: a member...
R (oao Refinitiv Ltd and others) v HMRC [2024] EWCA Civ 1412 Three claimant companies delivered services, including services in respect of software, new product and content development, and data hosting, to a Swiss-based group entity that centrally held valuable intellectual property ( IP) assets. The DPT notices charged the companies to tax for the 2018 accounting period by reference to a 'relevant alternative provision' ( RAP). That RAP employed a 'profit-split' methodology, effectively apportioning, for the 2018 accounting period, both the Swiss entity’s annual profits and the profits realised on the disposal of the relevant IP assets, by reference to the claimants’ respective contributions made through the provision of the services. The total DPT was in excess of £167m. The claimants contended that HMRC had acted inconsistently and, accordingly, that it had acted unlawfully in public law terms......
Dish and Sling v AYLO , Case No. UPC- Co A-188/2024 The Co A, in its ruling, upheld the order issued by the Court of First Instance, Local Division Mannheim. In the substantive proceedings, Dish and Sling commenced infringement proceedings against AYLO. The patent at issue concerned a method for presenting rate‑adaptive streams using a media player. AYLO was said to have indirectly infringed the patent in numerous UPC Member States, including Germany, by offering and supplying both the video files made available for streaming and the media players through which those videos are streamed. Invoking Rule 19.1(a) of the UPC Rules of Procedure, AYLO filed a preliminary objection asking that the infringement action be dismissed for lack of UPC jurisdiction. After that objection was rejected, AYLO brought an appeal against the order of the Local Division Mannheim. It argued that the UPC lacked...
Monetise Media Ltd v Information Commissioner [2024] UKFTT 959 ( GRC) What are the practical implications of this case? This ruling offers clear guidance for advisers on PECR risk management and the Commissioner’s likely stance when a breach is alleged. Although the DPA 1998 applied at the material time, the insights below remain a helpful reference for penalty decisions under the Data Protection Act 2018: The FTT confirms that a company can commit a serious PECR infringement through third parties and affiliate marketing, even without direct control over customer databases or the marketing content. Familiarity with the relevant, in-force guidance at the point of any alleged PECR breach is crucial, as both the Commissioner and the FTT will afford it considerable weight during enforcement or on appeal. The decision highlights that the Commissioner will evaluate a business’s conduct during the...
Mergers The Commission gave approval for: the acquisition granting joint control of EV Holdings Limited to ADNOC Drilling Company P. J. S. C. and Alpha Dhabi Holding P. J. S. C.......
A15 Claimant and B15 Defendant [2024] ADGMCFI 0012 What are the practical implications of this case? The ADGM Court’s ruling carries several practical ramifications for parties and practitioners: Importance of clear arbitration clauses: The ruling highlights the vital need to specify the arbitral seat in contracts. The chosen seat affects the recognition and enforcement of awards, a priority for any claimant or counterclaimant. To reduce the risk of parallel set‑aside actions, parties should expressly state the seat of arbitration in their agreements. Multi‑jurisdictional procedural strategy: Even where an award arises from a carefully drafted arbitration clause, rigorous strategic planning is required for potential multi‑jurisdictional enforcement. This is even more pressing when the clause permits alternative readings, whether regarding the seat of arbitration or other key elements. Practitioners must navigate the interaction between different jurisdictions and appreciate the procedural nuances that may...
A panel of the appellate court ruled that the DC district court correctly refused the African nation’s motions to dismiss the petitions, holding that the Republic of Zimbabwe had waived sovereign immunity under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s arbitration exception and its implicit waiver exception. The judges observed that the Swiss‑ German von Pezold family, together with forestry firms Border Timbers Ltd. and Hangani Development Co ( Private) Ltd, satisfied the arbitration exception by demonstrating an arbitration agreement, arbitral awards, and a treaty for enforcing them in the extensive land dispute in what is now the Republic of Zimbabwe. The panel stated that these undisputed elements are fulfilled: the German bilateral agreement and the Swiss bilateral agreement operate as the arbitration agreements; an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes tribunal issued valid arbitration awards; and the ICSID Convention is the treaty governing those...
Mergers The Commission has authorised: the purchase of sole control of Kidde Fire Protection LLC and Carrier Fire & Security B. V. by Lone Star Funds XII, L. P. ( M.11722), following a phase I investigation—see further in Midday Express the purchase of sole control of Marine Olie by STX Commodities Holding B. V. ......
In a significant step for AI oversight, the European AI Office has unveiled the inaugural draft of its General- Purpose AI Code of Practice (the Draft Code). Serving as a linchpin of the EU’s approach to building a sturdy regulatory architecture for AI, it steers providers towards compliance, accountability, and wider societal value. The Draft Code will be scrutinised by close to 1,000 stakeholders and refined through multiple consultation rounds, with the definitive text slated for publication in May 2025. Codes of practice and the EU AI Act The EU AI Act’s codes of practice, set out in Article 56, are not legally binding. Nevertheless, following these codes affords a ‘presumption of conformity’ with the Act’s duties for providers of general-purpose AI models until formal standards are in place. Thus, although participation is voluntary, alignment with the codes can function as proof of meeting...
Practical implications of the Funding Code According to the SPP, more than half of the 250-plus participants at its 14 November 2024 online session, which it hosted, felt, overall, the standout aspect of the new DB funding code was the sharper connection it draws between funding, investment and covenant. A quarter of respondents at the event, called ' Practical implications of the Funding Code', viewed the chief benefit of the framework as the more explicit expectations that it sets from TPR around risk management......
Claiming it will stem the tide of benefits cheats, the government used the 30 October 2024 Budget to set aside millions to hire almost 200 additional investigators for HMRC’s unit that tackles this type of fraud. Ministers also struck a hard line on offshore tax evasion, promising “additional resources” to pursue serious fraud by wealthy elites and those who facilitate them. However, no sum has been specified, nor has it said how many recruits will bolster HMRC’s offshore team, whose serious tax fraud probes sit at a six-year low. Peter Binning, a partner at Corker Binning, observed that it has rarely been easier for tax evaders to conceal offshore wealth from the UK tax inspector. Binning added that global digital platforms enabling evaders to operate across borders, together with the availability of crypto-assets, present a significant challenge for tax...
Mergers The CMA has issued the complete text of its Phase 1 clearance decision concerning the proposed acquisition transaction by Acerinox, S. A.......
The adaptability of general-purpose AI makes stringent AUPs essential to curb misuse. Without these rules, providers and users may unwittingly breach legal and ethical norms—particularly the EU AI Act—exposing themselves to substantial liabilities, regulatory duties and penalties. Defining AUPs Acceptable use policies are contractual terms that set out allowed and forbidden uses of technology. In the realm of foundation models, they delineate what users may and may not do with AI systems, aiming to prevent harmful or unlawful applications. By baking these limits into terms of service or model licences, developers impose binding obligations on users, thereby extending their control over how their technologies are used. The necessity of AUPs for AI systems The value of AUPs is highlighted by findings from Stanford University’s Centre for Research on Foundation Models. Research by Kevin Klyman observes that foundation model developers are increasingly proactive in adopting AUPs to prevent...
In her first Mansion House address, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves set out proposals to ease parts of the post-2008 crisis rulebook to steer more investment into the British economy. She argued, in remarks published ahead of delivery, that earlier reforms created a framework that tried to stamp out risk-taking, which she believes has gone too far and led to unintended outcomes that must now be put right. She outlined a new government plan to accelerate growth by adjusting rules across financial services and insurance, aiming to unlock private investment and revive capital markets. Reeves said the package of changes would strengthen growth and competitiveness through investment and reform, calling it the most pro-growth financial services programme since the financial crisis. She added that she has written to regulatory authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA), the Prudential...
The European Commission stated that Facebook’s owner exploited its power in social media to push Marketplace adverts on users, unlawfully linking the two products in breach of EU competition rules. The Commission said Facebook’s parent company had abused its dominance by doing so. The regulator further alleged the tech giant set unfair terms for other classified advertising firms wishing to market their services on Facebook, granting the company access to data from those rivals’ adverts to strengthen its own Marketplace proposition. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice- President of the Commission, said the practice breaches EU antitrust law and that Meta must now cease this behaviour. According to the Commission, Meta coupled its online classified adverts service, Facebook Marketplace, with its personal social network, Facebook, while imposing inequitable trading conditions on competing online classified ads providers......
In October 2024, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation ( OFSI) revealed that 42 UK companies are being investigated for breaching the Russian oil price cap. Even so, the heftiest UK sanction for compliance failings this year did not come from OFSI; that distinction sits with the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA). On 4 October 2024, the FCA imposed a £28.9m penalty on Starling Bank for what were characterised as 'shockingly lax' sanctions screening practices and 'systemic issues' within the bank's financial sanctions framework. By comparison, OFSI's first penalty for contravening the financial restrictions introduced after Russia's invasion of Ukraine (a £15,000 fine against London-based Integral Concierge Services Ltd in September 2024) appears decidedly modest. With that context, this article examines the UK and EU's stance on sanctions enforcement. Taken together, these events set the scene for a comparison of...
In this issue: Data protection e Privacy Reputation management Cybersecurity Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Data protection ICO approves first UK GDPR code of conduct for private investigators The Information Commissioner’s Office has signed off and published the first sector‑led code of conduct under the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation ( Assimilated Regulation ( EU) 2016/679), created by the Association of British Investigators Limited for the private investigations field. Titled the UK GDPR Code of Conduct for Investigative and Litigation Support Services, it tackles core data protection issues for investigators, offering direction on responsibilities when operating as controllers, joint controllers or processors, the lawful grounds for invisible processing including covert surveillance, and illustrative lawful tracing techniques. Its purpose is to secure UK GDPR compliance while weighing investigative objectives against privacy rights. Subject to ICO approval, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board has been...
The Federal Republic of Nigeria In a petition for a writ of certiorari lodged on 12 November 2024, Nigeria told the high court there is a rift among US Courts of Appeals on construing treaties under the United Nations instrument known as the 1958 New York Convention. The filing asserts that the circuits disagree on whether material beyond the text—such as historical background—can carry equal weight to the treaty’s wording when courts consider enforcing arbitration awards. The application arrives as Nigeria seeks to halt enforcement of an approximately US$70m award pursued by Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co, linked to alleged expropriation by Nigerian state officials acting in a governmental capacity. According to the republic, the DC Circuit erred in concluding that the Convention compels courts to enforce awards against sovereign states in disputes ‘arising solely from their roles as...
In this issue: New technologies Information technology Internet Fintech Data protection Advertising, marketing and sponsorship Reputation management Telecommunications Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary Trackers Useful information New technologies Smart contracts—where are we now and does AI have a role to play? Jonathan Gilmour, head of Derivatives & Structured Products, and Natalie Lewis, head of Fintech, Market Infrastructure & Payments, with partners Samuel Brewer, John Lee, James Longster & Richard Brown, senior associate Sarah Robinson, and associates Katie Fry- Paul & Toby Major ( Travers Smith LLP), examine current applications and constraints of smart contract technology in the setting of typical commercial agreements, and its possible interface with artificial intelligence ( AI). See News Analysis: Smart contracts—where are we now and does AI have a role to play? Ofcom publishes letter to online service providers on generative AI and chatbots Ofcom has released an open letter to online service providers operating in the UK...
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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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