Recent Articles

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  29/04/2024

  United Kingdom

  Food Advertising and Environmental Claims: A Balancing Act for Businesses

  The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has published a report on its research into consumer understanding of environmental claims in food advertisements (Environmental claims in food advertising - ASA | CAP). While some of the findings are unsurprising, they also reveal important insights into inferences consumers draw from different kinds of claims, and challenge the view that reducing their environmental impact is a primary focus for consumers who respond to environmental claims. Businesses should:Take care with the implications of their claims, which may be unexpected;Use clear and specific...

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  29/04/2024

  International

  On your radar | Key employment issues to be aware of internationally

  We are delighted to share with you our latest and largest edition of On Your Radar, with contributions from 35 countries. As ever, you will find employment law updates covering a diverse range of topical developments, for example:Several countries report changes to their rules on hiring foreign workers – Hungary, Serbia and Romania.Belgium explains that companies with over 50 employees must appoint a person of trust who plays an important role in protecting employees against psychosocial risks in the workplace including sexual harassment. At a time when employers are looking for ways...

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  29/04/2024

  Europe

  Design decision on ‘Sole technical function’ packs a punch – The CJEU breaks down the technical design exclusion in Papierfabriek ruling

  SummaryIn a case which has been recognised as among the most impactful European design cases of the past year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) has clarified the principles of ‘sole technical function’ invalidity for registered designs (Papierfabriek Doetinchem BV v Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerk & Co.)This case revolves around a Community design registered by Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerk & Co (“Sprick”), which Papierfabriek Doetinchem BV (“Papierfabriek”) was alleged to have infringed.Papierfabriek...

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  29/04/2024

  Luxembourg

  ELTIF 2.0: revised RTS amendments issued by ESMA

  The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has responded to the European Commission (the Commission) request for amendments to the draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for the new ELTIF 2.0 regime. Here are some of the key amendments:Redemption notice period: the minimum 12-month notice period for redemptions has been removed. Justification for the consistency of the notice period to the competent authority if the notice period is less than 6 months (instead of 3 months as suggested by the Commission). In addition, ESMA still links the length of the notice periods with...

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  29/04/2024

  Bulgaria

  Safeguarding Stability: EU's Intensified Scrutiny of Transfers with Russian Links

  In a geopolitical landscape fraught with tension and complexity, the European Union (EU) continues to refine its strategies for maintaining stability and security, particularly with respect to financial transactions with ties to Russia. Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its broader geopolitical ambitions, the EU has recognized the imperative of bolstering its financial oversight mechanisms to mitigate risks and safeguard its economic interests. One pivotal measure in this ongoing endeavour is the introduction of Article 5r in Council Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014, which...

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  26/04/2024

  United Kingdom

  World IP Day: Could IP help fuel the renewable energy transition in Scotland and beyond?

  The need to facilitate the transition to renewable energy and pressure to meet sustainable development goals continues to grow. As such, World IP Day seems an apt time to consider the vital role IP is playing in harnessing Scotland’s wealth of natural energy resources, by encouraging and protecting innovation.IntroductionIt is clear that the transition to renewable energy will rely heavily on new technology and innovation. This can be protected by a mixture of registered and unregistered IP such as patents, trade secrets, confidential information and copyright. Ensuring relevant IP protection...

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