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...
Mergers The Commission was notified of Kuwait Petroleum Italia/ Fox Petroli/ Eco Fox ( M.11461) under the simplified review. Applications in Cases C-171/24 P to C-179/24 P ( EVH, Stadtwerke Leipzig, TEAG, Stadtwerke Hameln Weserbergland, eins energie in sachsen, Energie Verbund Dresden, GGEW, Mainova, enercity) appeal General Court rulings upholding the E. ON/ Innogy ( M.8870) decision. State aid Approvals: Romania’s restructuring aid of up to €95.3m for TAROM; Sweden’s amendment to its regional aid map for 31/12/2022–2027. Applications in C-166/24 P and C-167/24 P ( Commission v Ryanair and Malta Air) and in C-192/24 P and C-193/24 P ( Air France- KLM and Société Air France v Ryanair and Malta Air) concern aid for Air France; appeal C-289/24 P relates to KLM’s State loan guarantee and loan. Antitrust Case C-34/24 Stichting Right to Consumer Justice en Sichting App Stores...
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd v Medley Assets Ltd H00MK414 What are the practical implications of this case? This ruling will interest those advising or acting in the field of business tenancies and applications for renewal. It stands as a classic illustration of the principles governing opposed renewal claims. The judge also delivered severe criticism of one expert and his responsibilities to the court. It is a pointed reminder that experts must be fully aware of their obligations under the CPR and within applicable professional codes, here the RICS framework being relevant. What was the background? The court considered, as a preliminary issue, whether the landlord had a defence to a claim for a renewed business tenancy under the LTA 1954, predicated on proposed works to a staircase (ground floor) and the basement. It was common ground that the tenant occupied only the ground floor, apart from a small...
According to an EU assessment, two decisions from the bloc’s highest court indicating that national data protection authorities enjoy minimal leeway over the imposition of fines are set to be mirrored in other matters. A note dated 2 April, viewed by MLex and prepared by the Council of the EU, reviews two fresh Court of Justice judgments on how regulators should calculate GDPR fines......
The Commission, in a statement, said the new rules will streamline and simplify dispute settlement processes by introducing a fast-track procedure for resolving disputes under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ( CETA). This accelerated route will cut timeframes and allow disputes to be decided by a single-member tribunal rather than a three-member tribunal. The Commission also noted that further streamlining could be possible in the future. Such improved access is particularly relevant in light of the strong take-up by small and medium-sized enterprises of the opportunities created by CETA......
Admiralty Registrar Richard Davison refused Halcyon Yacht Charter LLP'sapplication to stop the owners of the ' Big Kahuna' and its insurers from continuing its limitation claim in the Admiralty Court of England and Wales. Halcyon possesses a 1929 sailing vessel that went down after flames from the neighbouring ' Big Kahuna' spread whilst craft were moored at the Greek island. The registrar accepted that the cap on claims stands higher in Greece than in England, indicating it could be preferable for the limitation proceedings to be determined there than within jurisdiction. ' The defendant's principal gripe is that any limitation fund constituted here would be one third the scale of a limitation fund constituted in Greece', Registrar Davison concluded. ' However, if England is a forum where the limitation claim can be heard 'suitably for the interests of all the parties and the ends of justice'...
Social media companies face two possible restrictions on the way they can process data for personalised ads if judges follow a legal opinion issued for the EU’s top court on 25 April 2024 A non-binding opinion by Advocate General Athanasios Rantos for the Court of Justice, in the dispute between Meta Platforms and Austrian privacy advocate Max Schrems, signals two curbs on how platforms handle data for personalised advertising. He indicated that EU privacy rules bar firms from processing such data indefinitely, and that the mere fact information is public does not automatically justify its use for targeting ads. Data minimisation under the EU GDPR means companies cannot run targeted advertising with open-ended scope, either in duration or in the breadth of data involved, ruling out processing ‘without restriction as to time or type of data’. The case also examines whether...
Dublin-headquartered Perrigo Co plc, a New York Stock Exchange registrant, disclosed that Esteve is set to make an upfront payment of €190m for its HRA Pharma Rare Diseases division, with as much as €85m payable later, contingent on the unit’s performance over time. Perrigo is being advised legally by Wachtell Lipton, while Esteve’s legal counsel is Clifford Chance. According to Perrigo’s chief executive, Patrick Lockwood- Taylor, the prospective deal would lower the group’s net leverage, implying a boost to overall earnings and a reduction in debt levels......
Mergers Commission issues statement of objections in its phase 2 investigation into IAG/ Air Europa merger The Commission has sent a statement of objection to International Consolidated Airlines Group, S. A. ( IAG) and Air Europa Holding, S. L. ( Air Europa), concerning its continuing phase II probe into IAG’s planned purchase of Air Europa. Both IAG and Air Europa run broad domestic services across Spain, short-haul links within the EEA, as well as long-haul operations, particularly on air routes to and from Latin America......
The Net- Zero Insurance Alliance According to the United Nations group, the Net‑ Zero Insurance Alliance, launched in 2021 under the United Nations Environment Programme ( UNEP), is being wound up and superseded by the Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero ( FIT), the UN said. UNEP will preside over the new body and says the forum will accelerate voluntary climate efforts across the insurance industry. Its agenda includes proposing optional net‑zero insurance indicators and goals, alongside developing transition plan frameworks to support net‑zero for organisations in the sector, among other priorities. Butch Bacani, who leads insurance at UNEP, described the forum as ‘an entirely new’ set‑up and undertaking too......
MEPs endorse new rules to regulate ESG ratings At its 24 April 2024 plenary, Parliament signed off rules designed to bring significant clarity and consistency to the way ESG ratings are produced and shared. The package, passed by 464 votes in favour, 115 against and 13 abstentions, will organise the landscape of ESG rating activities so investors can take more informed decisions and curb greenwashing. The measures were provisionally settled in February 2024 by a team of MEPs, headed by Aurore Lalucq ( S& D, FR), together with the Council Presidency on behalf of the Member States. These rules set out how ratings are undertaken and communicated with consistency. More transparency—break down the ESG rating As a principle, distinct E, S and G scores must be supplied rather than one composite ESG figure that bundles the three factors. In addition, where a rating covers the E...
TPR urged that 'very careful thought' is needed regarding novel types of pension schemes proposing to deliver defined benefit pensions for individuals with defined contribution savings pots. This caution comes after the March 2024 launch of Pension Super Haven — a new plan created by The Pension Super Fund co-founders, Edi Truell and Luke Webster......
The non-binding view delivered by Szpunar, an Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the EU, examined whether the General Data Protection Regulation ( EU GDPR) can be interpreted as permitting a competitor to seek an injunction before the civil courts, mirroring what had been possible under the predecessor regime, the 1995 Data Protection Directive. He indicated on 25 April 2024 that an injunction claim brought by a business against a rival, relying on that rival’s breach of the GDPR’s provisions, may sit alongside the remedies set out in the GDPR. Selling medicine online The dispute stems from questions put to the EU court by German judges in a case between two pharmacists, in which one attempted to sue a competitor for unfair competition on the footing of GDPR violations, namely the handling of health data through online sales of...
Following the government’s February 2024 campaign to highlight the victims’ code—a practical guide assisting victims of crime to understand the services and support they are entitled to in the UK—the focus has shifted back to the misuse, or perceived misuse, of NDAs and their effects. On 28 March, the UK Ministry of Justice announced plans to introduce legislation to ensure victims are not prevented from accessing justice or essential support services. [1] The proposed reforms would render ‘gagging’ provisions unenforceable where they would stop victims providing information about actual or alleged criminal conduct to: the police or other prosecuting authorities qualified and regulated legal practitioners, or other support services operating under clear confidentiality principles, including, for example, counsellors, advocacy services and medical professionals This article examines the drivers for the proposed legislation, the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s ( SRA’s) warning notice on the use of...
Jump to: General Brexit headlines Brexit SIs and sifting updates Made Brexit SIs laid in Parliament Draft Brexit SIs laid in Parliament Post- Brexit transition guidance Editor's picks—the practice area/sector view New and updated Brexit related content Lex Talk®Brexit: a Lexis®Nexis community Useful information General Brexit headlines This section highlights the key, overarching Brexit developments. Brexit— The EU Commission has asked the EU Council to permit negotiations with the UK on a youth mobility agreement. The plan is intended to simplify opportunities for young EU and UK citizens to study, work and live across the UK and the EU. The Council will now consider the recommendation and, if endorsed, the Commission would be authorised to begin talks with the UK on youth mobility. See: LNB News 18/04/2024 81. Brexit SIs and sifting...
Nick Ephgrave accepted it is a fact that the agency’s workload is now more evenly divided between domestic fraud investigations and international bribery and corruption cases. He emphasised that the volume of victims and the magnitude of the alleged offences sit squarely within the SFO’s remit. He pointed to numerous instances of large, complex and serious UK‑based fraud, in which many thousands—tens of thousands—of ordinary, hard‑working people have been stripped of their money. He wanted to pursue that area and visibly demonstrate intent. Ephgrave also stressed the SFO is still entirely focused on bribery and corruption, as it is the only body structured to tackle such cases, while also aiming to make the SFO relevant to the taxpayer. In remarks made in March 2024 and again in early April 2024 about the SFO’s new strategy, the head of Britain’s...
The earlier regime on geographical indications (granting holders the sole entitlement to state that a product comes from a defined region, such as Champagne) forced producers in three sectors to apply through distinct processes. However, the updated rules, released on 11 April 2024, introduce a 'unitary and exhaustive system'. Associations of producers and industry bodies may now decide that specified sustainability measures are compulsory for members who wish to keep labelling their goods with a premium designation. Tackling climate change, moving towards a circular economy, and championing rare seeds and indigenous plant varieties are all allowable aims, according to......
What is the Panel proposing? The proposals outlined in consultation paper, PCP 2024/1, aim to retarget how the Takeover Code ( Code) is applied to companies that would anticipate being covered by takeover regulation, and to deliver greater clarity and certainty about which companies come within the scope of the Panel’s jurisdiction in practice......
Mergers Lindab/ HAS- Vent merger meets the test for reference to phase 2 The CMA has issued its decision concluding that Lindab International AB ( Lindab)'s completed purchase of HAS- Vent Holdings Limited ( HAS- Vent) meets the test for a phase 2 reference. Lindab is a ventilation company, with headquarters in Sweden and listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange......
At first reading, the European Parliament formally approved the legislative proposal for a directive of the European Parliament...
In this issue: Public procurement Social housing Education Children's social care Social care Healthcare Local government pensions Licensing Planning Daily and weekly news alerts New and updated content Public procurement Cabinet Office announces 28 October 2024 as provisional go-live date for procurement regime The Government Commercial Function ( GCF) is working towards a 28 October 2024 go-live for the new procurement regime, to be confirmed by commencement regulations expected in May 2024. Procurements begun under existing rules will continue under that legislation. This signals the start of a six-month preparation window, during which the GCF will release a full programme of learning and development to help practitioners implement the reforms. Alongside guidance already available, further materials will explain how to move from the current framework to the new...
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 ]...