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'Green Finance' enters the mainstream

Published on 25 Jun 2019. By Edward Colville, Partner

With the UK's recent commitment to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, the financial sector is looking to 'green finance' to encourage investment in sustainable and environmentally-friendly businesses. Recent examples, like Nokia's €1.5 billion credit facility announced last week, show that environmental impact is becoming a key consideration for lenders and borrowers.

National Security and Investment – the EU's response

Published on 07 Jun 2019. By Tim Anderson, Partner and Neil Brown, Partner

National security concerns regarding Huawei continue to make headlines around the world, against the backdrop of an ongoing US / Chinese trade war. This blog looks at new EU rules on foreign investments which raise security or public order concerns.

Stamp duty land tax (SDLT) avoidance and corporate property deals – the importance of timing!

Published on 21 May 2019. By Ben Roberts, Partner

The First-Tier Tribunal has, in a recent decision, caused something of a stir for clients and advisors familiar with the well-trodden (and, usually, tax-efficient) use of offshore unit trusts to hold UK property.

More than you bargained for: the implied duty of good faith

Published on 26 Apr 2019. By David Wallis, Partner and Neil Brown, Partner

The recent High Court decision in Bates v. Post Office (No. 3) confirms a general principle that if a contract is a "relational" contract then it will include an implied obligation of good faith. Previously, there had been doubt whether such a general principle exists, as historically this was not an approach recognised by the English courts.

Derivative transactions – the obligation to report

Published on 25 Apr 2019. By Edward Colville, Partner

As the recent £34.9m fine for Goldman Sachs shows, the FCA takes the obligation to report derivative transactions seriously. How does this affect parties who trade infrequently, and what changes to the reporting requirement can we expect post-Brexit?

Part Three: Five practical implications of side letters and most favoured nations clauses for fund investors and managers

Published on 15 Feb 2019.

In this third and final part of our series on side letters and most favoured nation (MFN) clauses in private equity funds, we examine five practical implications for investors and managers.

Part Two: Side letters and fundraising

Published on 28 Jan 2019.

In this second of a three part series, we look more closely at side letters and most favoured nation (MFN) clauses in the private equity space.

Part One: Overview of side letters & MFNs when investing in private equity funds

Published on 14 Jan 2019.

In the first of a three part series we consider the importance of side letters and most favoured nations (MFN) clauses in private equity funds.

Budget 2018 – 10 key business tax takeaways

Published on 08 Nov 2018. By Ben Roberts, Partner

UK retail sector M&A deals increase to 34 – up 21% on last year

Published on 05 Sep 2022. By Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate

• M&A targeting fashion retailers particularly active

Changing retail landscape leads to decline in employee numbers

Published on 21 Nov 2019. By Kelly Thomson, Partner, ESG strategy lead

The retail sector continues to face change and challenge from every conceivable angle and employment within the sector is following this trend.

Collective actions under consumer law: proposed amendments to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill

Published on 17 Apr 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

Are class actions under consumer protection law likely following the UK’s new DMCC Bill, and if so, what will the impact on businesses be?

Shift in consumer rights landscape increases risks for retailers

Published on 13 Dec 2021.

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024. By Matthew Jones, Partner

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

Generative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position

Published on 03 May 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Jani Ihalainen, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.

Sports Ticker (27 April 2023) – PL gambling sponsor ban, WWE x UFC merger and Schumacher's AI interview – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Corach Rambler win the Grand National, the UK & Ireland submit its bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men's tournament, and 48,000 runners take to the streets for the London Marathon, we bring you updates on Spotify's new integration with Strava and Team GB's collaboration with Birds Eye. We also feature stories on a controversial AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher and our own Kate O'Malley's sub-three hour marathon success.

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)?

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?

ICO publishes guidance on AI decision making

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

How can companies comply with data regulation when using AI to make decisions affecting individuals?

Leading media litigator Lindsay Warwick joins RPC as Partner

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Lindsay Warwick, Partner

International law firm RPC announced today that Lindsay Warwick, a leading media litigator, joins as Partner. An already powerful bench of over ten media litigators, the appointment cements the firm's reputation as having the UK's leading media defence practice.

Ofcom's 'Roadmap to Regulation' underway with its consultation on illegal harms duties under the Online Safety Act

Published on 12 Jan 2024. By Jessica Kingsbury, Associate

In November, Ofcom, as new online safety regulator, published the first of four major consultations under the Online Safety Act ("OSA"), which sets out its proposals for how "user-to-user" ("U2U") services (essentially any online website or app that allows users to interact with each other) and online search services (i.e. Google, Bing and similar) should approach their illegal content duties under the new legislation. The consultation provides guidance in a number of areas including governance, content moderation, reporting and complaints mechanisms, terms of service, supporting child users, and user empowerment.

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.

Lawyers Covered - July 2024

Published on 30 Jul 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Caroline Shiffner, Senior Associate and Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor and Helen Kerr, Senior Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the July edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

SRA consults the legal sector on proposed changes to their fining framework

Published on 30 Jul 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Victoria Lawman, Trainee Solicitor

The SRA is conducting a consultation from the 28 June to 20 September 2024 on their proposed changes to the SRA Fining Guidance. The regulator is seeking feedback in response to the new unlimited fining powers granted under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA 2023).

Entering the codified world – Code of Conduct for directors

Published on 03 Jul 2024. By Matthew Watson, Partner

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has recently published a consultation paper on a Code of Conduct for Directors (the Code) to assist directors in making better decisions given their increasingly "vital, complex and challenging" roles and responsibilities.

Lawyers Covered - June 2024

Published on 28 Jun 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and James Ainsworth, Senior Associate and Dan Bryan, Associate and Karl Shortman, Associate and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the June edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - May 2024

Published on 29 May 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Helen Lindup, Associate and Georgia Durham, Associate and Lauren Paterson, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the May edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - April 2024

Published on 30 Apr 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Helen Lindup, Associate and Georgia Durham, Associate and Lauren Paterson, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the March edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - March 2024

Published on 26 Mar 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Helen Lindup, Associate and Georgia Durham, Associate and Lauren Paterson, Associate

It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the March edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - February 2024

Published on 26 Feb 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Helen Lindup, Associate and Georgia Durham, Associate

Lawyers continue to face a wide range of challenges, and we are here to help guide you through them. So, welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - January 2024

Published on 30 Jan 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Krista Murray, Senior Associate and Scott Robins, Senior Associate and Poppy Hay, Associate

We hope 2024 has started well for all of you. A new year but some things remain constant - lawyers continue to face a wide range of challenges, and we are here to help guide you through them. So, welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - December 2023

Published on 19 Dec 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Krista Murray, Senior Associate and Scott Robins, Senior Associate and Poppy Hay, Associate

What could be more festive than our December edition of Lawyers Covered – so here it is, a gift from the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group at RPC, to all of you, our lovely readers! If you have any feedback or ideas for topics that you would like us to cover in the newsletter or in our seminars, please let us know. Happy holidays!

Lawyers Covered - November 2023

Published on 29 Nov 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Jo Makin, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - October 2023

Published on 31 Oct 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Simon Love, Senior Associate and Jo Makin, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - September 2023

Published on 28 Sep 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Elizabeth Singleton, Senior Associate (Australian Qualified) and Ruth Lancaster, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

SRA fining powers – putting the SDT out of business?

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Graham Reid, Partner and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

The SRA is on a mission to increase its powers to levy financial penalties. The last 12 months have seen a substantial increase in its fining powers, and a grant of unlimited fining powers in matters relating to financial crime and SLAPPs is imminent. The SRA has now dramatically upped the ante, seeking the power to levy unlimited fines in all cases of serious misconduct. With the Legal Services Board appearing supportive, the proposal has the potential profoundly to affect the enforcement of professional discipline within the profession.

Lawyers Covered - July 2023

Published on 26 Jul 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Daniel Austin, Assistant General Counsel and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Sharon Law, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Enhanced Regulatory Supervision of Asset Managers in Europe – Greenwashing Risks

Published on 12 Jul 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Nick Cumming, Associate

A common methodology has been developed by ESMA to allow national European regulators to share knowledge and experiences to facilitate convergence in how they supervise sustainability related disclosures.

Lawyers Covered - June 2023

Published on 28 Jun 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Richard Seymour, Associate and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - May 2023

Published on 30 May 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Richard Seymour, Associate and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - April 2023

Published on 02 May 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Richard Seymour, Associate and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - March 2023

Published on 27 Mar 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Richard Seymour, Associate and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate (Scottish Qualified) and Cat Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer and Sally Lord, Knowledge Lawyer Manager

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - February 2023

Published on 01 Mar 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Helen Young, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - January 2023

Published on 31 Jan 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Helen Young, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Costs recovered in the Small Claims Track from an unreasonable Litigant in Person

Published on 24 Jan 2023. By Rhian Howell, Partner & Head of Office, Bristol and Daniel Charity, Associate

Most (if not all) litigators will be familiar with the challenge of being on the other side of a claim brought by a litigant in person ("LiP"). The courts expect practitioners to be sensitive to their opponent's lack of legal expertise and familiarity with court rules, but judges have also been clear that they expect all parties – including LiPs – to follow the rules regardless of their legal representation.

Lawyers Covered - December 2022

Published on 21 Dec 2022. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Peter Mansfield, Partner and Helen Young, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

SRA issues Warning Notice on solicitors' involvement in SLAPPs

Published on 20 Dec 2022. By Graham Reid, Partner

SLAPPs (aka 'Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation') is a term coined in the USA. They are becoming the object of increasing concern over here too.

Lawyers Covered - November 2022

Published on 29 Nov 2022. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Carmel Green, Partner and Tina Campbell, Senior Associate and Scott Robins, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Lawyers Covered - October 2022

Published on 31 Oct 2022. By Claire Revell, Partner and Carmel Green, Partner and Daniel Charity, Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we look back over the last month at key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.

Hong Kong – Claim pleading duty of care against auditor struck out for "putting the cart before the horse"

Published on 28 Oct 2022. By Antony Sassi, Managing Partner, Asia and David Smyth, Senior Consultant and Anson Lo, Associate

In Chan Kam Cheung v Ronnie K W Choi & Anor [2022] HKCFI 3028, a judge upheld a master's (judicial officer's) decision to strike out the plaintiff shareholder's action against the former auditors of the company.