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The Online Safety Bill is set to become law

Published on 21 Sep 2023. By Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner, Media and Nadia Tymkiw, Senior Associate and Jessica Kingsbury, Associate

The Online Safety Bill will shortly become law in the UK as soon as it receives Royal Assent. The legislation will introduce a new regulatory regime for online platforms and search engines which target the UK, imposing wide-ranging obligations on in-scope services with serious consequences for non-compliance.

The Online Safety Bill and the risk of unintended consequences

Published on 31 Mar 2023. By Nadia Tymkiw, Senior Associate

The Online Safety Bill was reintroduced to Parliament late last year, with new amendments receiving scrutiny in the House of Commons in December, before the bill entered the House of Lords in January. The bill continues to evolve, most notably with the government removing the requirement for user-to-user platforms and search engines to prevent adult users from encountering "legal but harmful" content, instead requiring online platforms to provide users with enhanced content controls (i.e., choice as to what content is seen), and imposing further obligations around transparency and enforcement of online platforms' terms and conditions. "Legal but harmful" obligations remain in place for under 18s. The government has recently agreed to introduce criminal sanctions for senior managers who fail to take proportionate measures to protect children from potentially harmful content.

A look at climate insurance (With Richard Matsui)

Published on 20 Apr 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Richard Matsui, Co-founder of kWh Analytics, and they will be discussing the insurance of renewable energy sources with a particular focus on solar power.

Insurers need their own Hippocratic Oath

Published on 22 Mar 2022. By Simon Laird, Global Head of Insurance and Peter Mansfield, Partner

Does insurance have a role to play in setting the ethical standard for corporate ESG and promoting a ‘do no harm’ philosophy?"

A look at sustainable insurance (a podcast with Julian Richardson)

Published on 20 Jan 2022.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Julian Richardson, CEO of Parhelion Underwriting and our topic for this episode is sustainable insurance.

A look at Flood Re (a podcast with Andy Bord)

Published on 22 Dec 2021.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance. In this episode Peter is joined by Andy Bord, CEO of Flood Re, a specialist UK reinsurer of flood risks. In this episode we will be discussing all things Flood Re.

Retail Compass Spring 2024

Published on 15 Apr 2024. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner

Welcome to the Spring edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through key upcoming legal and policy changes affecting retailers and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

12 top tips for using AI in retail and consumer businesses

Published on 18 Dec 2023. By Praveeta Thayalan, Knowledge Lawyer

Last year, we set out our top ten tips for retailers entering the metaverse. This year, AI is the hot topic in retail and pretty much everywhere else! AI is redefining the retail and consumer industry. It can improve consume engagement, aid decision-making, curate tailored promotions, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs. So what do retailers and consumer bran need to be mindful of when deploying AI?

Retail Compass Autumn 2023

Published on 17 Oct 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner

Welcome to our Autumn edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through the key legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

Retail Compass Spring 2023

Published on 27 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Karen Hendy, Partner

Welcome to our Spring edition of Retail Compass, where we guide you through the key legal and policy changes affecting retail and consumer brands and provide our thoughts on those crucial, need-to-know issues.

What if the CEO asks me about... using Artificial Intelligence in our Retail stores?

Published on 28 Mar 2023. By Paul Joukador, Partner

The term "artificial intelligence" (AI) describes a range of technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as the ability to comprehend, act and learn.

'Popping to the shop' a thing of the past?

Published on 13 Jun 2022. By Rory Graham, Associate

Have you noticed that overnight, seemingly every poster on London's streets and billboard in its tube stations advertise a service that will magic groceries to your front door in an impossibly short timeframe? These are signifiers of the battle being fought in the instant grocery delivery space.

'Nosecco' is a no-no, says the High Court

Published on 01 Jul 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

In recent years, health and wellbeing has been big business in the UK. The COVID-19 outbreak has only further stoked the desire to obtain and maintain healthy minds and bodies and the trend looks set to continue, across the retail sector.

The ASA bites back – Burger King 'Rebel Whopper' ads ruled to be misleading and in breach of advertising rules

Published on 07 May 2020. By Ben Mark, Partner

At the start of the year, Veganuary hit the headlines, with the British public challenged to ditch animal by-products in favour of a plant-based diet for the month of January.

UK Government sets out proposals for regulation of AI

Published on 10 Oct 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What are the UK Government’s plans for the future regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)?

ICO launches AI and Data Protection Toolkit

Published on 28 Jul 2022.

How can those engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems utilise the Information Commissioner’s Office’s AI and data protection risk toolkit (the Toolkit) to better ensure compliance with data protection legislation?

UK government announces the launch of an AI standards hub

Published on 12 Apr 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What does the new artificial intelligence (AI) standards hub mean for businesses seeking to develop AI technologies?

UK authorities consider position of AI in preparation for a new Golden Age of Tech

Published on 09 Jun 2021. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

The question: What direction is the UK taking regarding policies on artificial intelligence (AI)?

Adams v Carey – where does the Court of Appeal's decision leave the SIPP market?

Published on 01 Apr 2021. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The Court of Appeal has today dismissed Mr Adams' appeal against Carey in respect of COBS 2.1.1R. However, the appeal in relation to s.27 FSMA has been upheld. We discuss the background to the proceedings, the Court of Appeal decision and where it takes the SIPP (and wider financial services) market.

Telecoms supply agreement excludes "loss of profit" claim under "anticipated profits" liability exclusion (EE v Virgin Mobile)

Published on 25 Aug 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ben Harris, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

In line with a number of recent cases, in EE Limited v Virgin Mobile Telecoms Limited [2023] EWHC 1989 (TCC) the courts have shown that parties generally cannot avoid clear wording contained in exclusion clauses in order to recover losses that have been expressly excluded (in this case, loss of profits).

Rolls-Royce entitled to hit the brakes in dispute over termination of a software services agreement (Topalsson v Rolls-Royce)

Published on 14 Aug 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ben Harris, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

In Topalsson GmbH v Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited [2023] EWHC 1765 (TCC), the High Court has provided useful guidance on how to determine whether a software implementation timeline agreed by the parties is binding, when implementation is considered complete and in what circumstances failing to complete implementation by the contractual deadlines entitles the customer to terminate the contract.

A narrow escape – software services provider entitled to rely on single aggregate liability cap (Drax v Wipro)

Published on 25 Jul 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Ben Harris, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

When it comes to bespoke software development projects, a lot can go wrong. There's risk for the customer such as project delays, software defects, functionality issues and a lack of meeting of minds in terms of project requirements.

Going Green – staying on the right side of competition law

Published on 15 May 2023. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel

Environmental issues are high on the agenda for many consumers and businesses alike. They are also increasingly an area of focus for competition authorities around the world, including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), who are keen to ensure that competition law concerns do not unnecessarily prevent businesses from collaborating legitimately on environmental sustainability initiatives.

Letters of Credit: Fraud conquers all – if it is fraud

Published on 30 Mar 2017. By Alan Williams, Partner

The High Court decision in Petrosaudi Oil Services (Venezuela) Ltd v. Novo Banco S.A. and Others [2016] EWHC 2456 provided a useful reminder that the principle of autonomy, which provides for payments to be made under letters of credit, regardless of disputes under the underlying contract, will not be upheld if the fraud exception applies. In its decision at first instance the High Court had found that the fraud exception had applied. However, the High Court judgment was appealed. This update discusses the Court of Appeal's decision.

Coming to a bank near you? How "investment AI" could transform financial mis-selling claims

Published on 09 Nov 2023. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Olivia Dhein, Knowledge Lawyer

Living under a rock is probably the only way anyone might have escaped the media attention given to ChatGPT and generative AI in recent months. Beyond the (considerable) hype, this technology could have a profound impact on financial mis-selling claims where financial institutions and fund managers turn to the new technology to help them select investments and products.

Las Vegas of the East – Navigating Challenges and Embracing Economic Diversification in Macau

Published on 29 May 2024. By Abbie Cheung, Trainee Solicitor

Digital nomads: the world is your oyster?

Published on 08 May 2024. By Samantha Cheng, Trainee Solicitor

Imagine seeing the world while you work, without having to take time off. That's quite the dream, isn't it?

Trainees take on 2024

Published on 06 Feb 2024. By Dominic Barnes, Trainee Solicitor and Tom Butterfield, Trainee Solicitor and Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor and Abigail Pipkin, Trainee Solicitor and Michael Miles, Trainee Solicitor and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor and Emily Twomey, Trainee Solicitor and Mars Yeung, Trainee Solicitor

2023 was a year of change, with the Coronation of King Charles III, COVID-19 finally losing its pandemic status and continued economic and political instability across the globe.

Rumble in the concrete jungle – London as a disputes powerhouse

Published on 23 Jan 2024. By Lucas Johncey, Trainee Solicitor

"London is the most attractive centre for commercial litigation and international arbitration" according to the Law Society's International Data Insights Report 2023.

Advertising Video on Demand – To AVOD or avoid?

Published on 15 Sep 2023. By Niamh Greene, Trainee Solicitor

As most movie and TV streamers can attest to, Subscription Video on Demand services (or 'SVODs') continue to multiply. No need to put the kettle on while the adverts play; SVODs offer consumers an instant, ad-free escape to worlds unknown at just a click of a button.

Listing reforms in the UK: to market, to market?

Published on 19 Jul 2023. By Ali Chowdhry, Associate

The Financial Conduct Authority is proposing wide ranging reforms to the UK's Listings Rules to entice more high growth companies to list in London

Next-gen AI: Disrupting your business?

Published on 11 Apr 2023.

It’s no secret the tech sector is going through a tough time at the moment with the large swathes of layoffs seen in 2022 continuing into 2023. So much so that bespoke trackers now actively monitor the 167,004 (and counting) tech jobs already lost this year.

Trainees take on 2023

Published on 02 Feb 2023. By Lauren Butler, Associate and Tom Butterfield, Trainee Solicitor and Ella Ennos-Dann, Associate and Rory Graham, Associate and Lewis Manning, Associate and Emily Snow, Trainee Solicitor

2022 was a year of extremes, with focus on our longest-reigning Monarch alongside our shortest-serving Prime Minister (and a lettuce).

TGI…Thursday?

Published on 04 Jan 2023. By Megan Grew, Associate

What would you say if I offered you 100% of your salary and you only had to work four days a week? For the employees of 70 companies across the UK, this was their reality for the second half of 2022.

Government to cover negligence claims against GPs

Published on 17 Oct 2017. By Dorothy Flower, Partner

Government to cover negligence claims against GPs

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 10 May

Published on 10 May 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 3 May

Published on 03 May 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week That Was – 26 April

Published on 26 Apr 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 19 April

Published on 19 Apr 2024. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 25 August

Published on 25 Aug 2023. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 04 August

Published on 04 Aug 2023. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Fix up, look sharp: FRC update

Published on 01 Aug 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

What's the latest on fixed recoverable costs in professional negligence claims?

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 28 July

Published on 28 Jul 2023. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Money Covered: The Week that Was - 07 July

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Rachael Healey, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and David Allinson, Partner and George Smith, Partner

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the financial services sector over the last seven days.

Lead market regulator's lawsuit includes professional advisers

Published on 09 Feb 2017. By Antony Sassi, Managing Partner, Asia and Samuel Hung, Partner

In another significant development in the Securities and Futures Commission's (SFC) efforts to combat market misconduct-type activity involving listed shares in Hong Kong, the lead market regulator has commenced civil proceedings under Section 213 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) in respect of China Forestry Holdings Co Ltd (in official liquidation). What makes the proceedings noteworthy is that besides naming the company and two of its directors as co-defendants, the regulator's civil complaint also names two co-sponsors and the auditor involved with the company's initial public offering (IPO) in 2009.(1)

Silicon Valley, Signature and Credit Suisse: what do they all share(holder) in common?

Published on 28 Mar 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Oliver Knox, Partner and Jessica Pease, Associate

In what has been termed "the biggest banking crisis since 2008", both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank have collapsed, and Credit Suisse has been rescued. Whether more banks are to follow suit is yet to be seen.

UK tech cases warn of liability clause drafting pitfalls

Published on 21 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner

Excluding and limiting liability is a vital part of any commercial contract. The irony, though, is that despite its importance, almost any exclusion or limitation of liability — if pored over to the nth degree — will have some ambiguity in the face of complex and often unforeseen consequences of breach.

Thirty minutes in Decentraland: A metaverse adventure

Published on 14 Jun 2023. By Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate and Becky Baker , Associate

Decentraland is one of the best known 'metaverses' that currently exist. It is a giant virtual world where users can create 'avatars' (a digital representation of yourself) and interact with one another. Users can also buy and develop virtual land, the mechanics of which involve purchasing an NFT (non-fungible token) connected with the relevant land plot. Users can then develop their land and build unique 3D environments.

Green claims update: June 2024

Published on 02 Jul 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Ciara Cullen, Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

Welcome to our round-up of the key legal and regulatory developments relating to green claims.