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Sports Ticker (16 November 2022) – Hope for Wasps and Worcester, Hamilton's production company and Man City record revenues – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 16 Nov 2022. 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 the Red Roses fall agonisingly short in a brilliant Women's Rugby World Cup final against hosts New Zealand, and Man United reportedly taking legal advice before responding to Ronaldo's TalkTV interview, we bring you updates on Amazon's sponsorship deal with Sage and BT, and the BBC's acquisition of broadcasting rights for the Billie Jean King Cup. We also cover reports of a Liverpool FC sale and Manchester City's record-breaking revenue.

Lookalikes and passing off—bottle design get-up claim (Au Vodka)

Published on 07 Nov 2022. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Currently there's significant activity in the lookalikes space. The Au Vodka claim (Au Vodka v NE10 Vodka [2022] EWHC 2371), which focuses on bottle design 'get-up', arrived in the courts for an interim injunction hearing in September 2022. Au Vodka's application was dismissed. The judgment shows that passing off—get-up claims based on shape can be challenging to bring, particularly at the interim stage, and prompts the question of whether it's possible to bring Cofemel and copyright into the lookalikes arena.

Sports Ticker (2 November 2022) – McLaren's advertising partnership, Yupp TV T20 rights and European Super League claim – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 02 Nov 2022. 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 29 football clubs urge the Government to “save football” with plans for an independent regulator, and Red Bull entering an Accepted Breach Agreement after exceeding the $145m budget cap in 2021 (leaving Mercedes, Ferrari and others reportedly upset with the sanctions), we feature updates on McLaren's digital advertising partnership and YuppTV's exclusive broadcast rights for the ICC T20 World Cup. We also look at the claim being reportedly brought by some of the European Super League clubs against UEFA and FIFA, and Apple's interest in the ATP and WTA tours.

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 46

Published on 01 Nov 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Bethan Griffiths, Senior Associate and Laura Thackeray, Senior Associate and Helen Monachan, Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

Hype Economics: the haves and the have bots

Published on 01 Nov 2022.

With the most wanted items selling out in the blink of an eye, consumers are leveraging automation to get ahead. Is the use of bots creating more than a moral dilemma for retailers?

Digital services providers—Commission to focus on implementation phase of EU consumer protection legislation

Published on 31 Oct 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel and Ellie Chakarto, Associate

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are published in the Official Journal and the plenary vote of the European Parliament on the proposed text of the AI Act is expected once amendments are agreed by negotiators. The Commission is now turning its focus to the implementation phase of these landmark regimes. So, what does the future hold for the European tech sector and how might it differ for the UK?

RPC hires Helen Armstrong to grow its award-winning Technology practice

Published on 31 Oct 2022. By Helen Armstrong, Partner

RPC continues its investment in its Tech Disputes offering to support the firm's rapid growth within the technology sector. Armstrong is RPC's 20th new Partner in 2022; mix of lateral hires and internal promotions.

Restructuring Plans – A Sea Change?

Published on 26 Oct 2022. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Will Beck, Of Counsel and Knowledge Lawyer

Ten tips for retailers entering the metaverse

Published on 25 Oct 2022. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

Once the province of online gaming and social media, the metaverse is the new hot topic in retail.

Sports Ticker ( 20 October 2022) - Shell's cycling partnership, F1 budget breach and Wasps administration – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 20 Oct 2022. 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 Max Verstappen named F1 World Champion and amendments to ICAS' sports-related arbitration rules, we feature updates on the partnership deal reached between Shell and British Cycling, Wasps entering administration and the consequential redundancies, the £120m takeover of Bournemouth AFC and controversy over findings that Red Bull has reportedly breached F1's budgeting caps.

RPC scores top rankings in Chambers UK 2023

Published on 20 Oct 2022. By Kimberley Nanson, Senior PR & External Communications Manager

RPC has achieved top ranking in nine practice areas in Chambers UK 2023.

RPC Insurtech in brief - October 2022

Published on 12 Oct 2022. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the October 2022 edition of Insurtech in brief - a selection of the latest insurtech news and developments from across the globe.

The EU Digital Markets Act - a focus on gatekeeper obligations and sanctions

Published on 12 Oct 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

What key obligations will the Digital Markets Act (DMA) impose on online platforms designated as gatekeepers?

The Metaverse, green claims and data privacy – what critical issues lie ahead for retailers and consumer brands in Autumn 2022?

Published on 12 Oct 2022. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Karen Hendy, Partner, Head of Corporate and Ciara Cullen, Partner

International law firm RPC launches the latest edition of Retail Compass

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)?

Ofcom prepares for implementation of Online Safety Bill

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

How and when does Ofcom expect to carry out its new regulatory function for online safety created by the Online Safety Bill?

European Parliament adopts the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act

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

What are the next steps in the legislative timelines for the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) and what should companies be doing now to prepare?

UK announces new copyright exemption for text and data mining to promote AI development

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

What does the UK Government’s response to its consultation on Intellectual Property (IP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) mean for text and data mining?

The EU Accessibility Act

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

What obligations will the EU Accessibility Act place on companies that manufacture or provide in-scope products and services?

Snapshots Autumn 2022

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

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Value of investments into European sport increases 433% to £9.6bn in past year

Published on 07 Oct 2022. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

• Total number of deals has increased 28% to 37 in past 12 months • Four £1bn+ deals in the last year, including sales of Chelsea and AC Milan • Women’s football and boxing seen as areas of growth

Vertical Agreements: The New Reality

Published on 07 Oct 2022. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

For those operating in the retail sector (amongst others), 1st June 2022 saw changes to the UK and EU competition law rules and the "safe harbour" or exemption from the application of competition law for certain types of vertical agreements, i.e. for contractual parties operating at different levels of the supply chain.

Hong Kong's enhanced e-reporting system for internet fraud

Published on 06 Oct 2022. By Jonathan Crompton, Partner

On 19 September 2022, the Hong Kong Police Force announced its upgraded e-reporting system for internet crimes and frauds, which aims to improve the processing and analysing of cyber crimes.

Sports Ticker (6 October 2022) – Apple's NFL deal, struggling rugby clubs and Olympic boxing in danger – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 06 Oct 2022. 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 Apple strike a $50m annual deal with the NFL, we feature updates on a damages claim by fans following the chaos at the UEFA Champions League final, the financial difficulties facing Wasps and Worcester Warriors, West Brom's Women's team's important decision to play in navy (rather than white) shorts to ease concerns players may have about being or coming on their period whilst playing, and the possibility that boxing will not feature at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Six-cess! RPC recognised as top-tier firm across six areas in The Legal 500 UK 2023

Published on 29 Sep 2022. By Kimberley Nanson, Senior PR & External Communications Manager

The 2023 edition of the Legal 500 UK rankings has been released and we are delighted with the latest results.

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 45

Published on 29 Sep 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Bethan Griffiths, Senior Associate and Laura Thackeray, Senior Associate and Helen Monachan, Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

Sports Ticker (22 September 2022) - sport pays respect to the Queen, F1 Shake-ups & rugby's gender equality partnership – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world'

Published on 22 Sep 2022. 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 the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we provide an update on how the sporting world reacted. We also feature updates on Audi's bid to enter Formula 1, Word Rugby's gender equality driven collaboration, Guild Esports' renewed partnership with Samsung and Saatchi & Saatchi's deal with the NBA to become its European advertising partner.

Low2NoBev Show - RPC takes front row seat as exclusive legal sponsor as the "No/Lo" alcohol drinks category soars

Published on 21 Sep 2022. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Harpreet Kaur, Associate and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Ahead of RPC acting as the exclusive legal sponsor of the Low2NoBev Show taking place at Olympia London later this month (26 – 28 September 2022), it is useful to understand the fundamental changes happening in this growing sector and the potential discussion points that may arise relating to the marketing of these products.

RPC's growing Singapore office welcomes new Tech Partner

Published on 08 Sep 2022. By Nick Lauw, Partner

• The move is driven by growing client demand and the firm's ambition to grow its award-winning international Technology practice to support its clients' commercial needs. • RPC has now hired 8 Partners in 2022, in addition to promoting 10 new Partners at the beginning of May, across Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Bristol.

Sports Ticker: ITV's NFL and LaLiga coverage, AJ Bell Tour of Britain and PGA Tour updates - a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 26 Aug 2022. 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 Olympique Lyonnais snatch-up the 2022 Women's International Championships Cup following a 4-0 win over C.F.Monterrey, we feature updates on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's new golf league to be launched in collaboration with the PGA Tour and the results of the 2022 European Championships. We also provide updates on ITV's expansion of its broadcasting rights to the NFL and LaLiga, Arsenal's extended partnership with the Japanese video game company Konami and Sir Lewis Hamilton's share in the NFL's Denver Broncos. As always, if there are any issues on which you'd like more information (or if you have any questions or feedback), please do let us know or get in touch with your usual contact at RPC.

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 44

Published on 26 Aug 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Bethan Griffiths, Senior Associate and Laura Thackeray, Senior Associate and Helen Monachan, Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

Netflix files lawsuit over 'Unofficial Bridgerton Musical'

Published on 24 Aug 2022. By Ela Broderick-Basar, Associate

On 29 July, Netflix filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. against two TikTok stars, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, alleging that their Grammy-winning “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” project infringed the hit show's intellectual property rights.

What'SUP? Single-Use Plastics (SUP) are next target in UK government's war on plastic waste

Published on 17 Aug 2022. By Eleanor Harley , Senior Associate

It only takes a short walk along London's Regent's Canal to witness the sheer volume of littered single-use plastics (SUP).

European Parliament formally adopts Digital Services Act

Published on 16 Aug 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

Following provision political agreement by the Council and the European Parliament in April 2022, on 5 July 2022 the European Parliament formally adopted the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA has yet to be adopted by the Council.

Sports Ticker (11 August 2022) - Sports Ticker: rugby authorities' revamp, UFC's Amazon deal and Commonwealth victories – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world' to the website and social media channels

Published on 11 Aug 2022. 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 England win the Women's Euro 2022 final after beating Germany 2-1 in front of 87,192 fans at Wembley, and retirement announcements from Open Era record holder and 23 times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and four time F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, we feature updates on Everton FC's partnership with blockchain fashion platform Fancurve, organisational changes to the Hong Kong Rugby Union and World Rugby and LeBron James' investment into German bicycle brand Canyon.

Solana hack could lead to claims against its developers and service providers

Published on 10 Aug 2022. By Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate and Dan Wyatt, Partner

A cyberattack on Solana, which has resulted in the wallets of 8,000 customers being drained, could potentially lead to claims being taken against its software developers and third-party service providers, says international law firm RPC.

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 43

Published on 02 Aug 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Bethan Griffiths, Senior Associate and Laura Thackeray, Senior Associate and Helen Monachan, Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

Stream on! CMA halts plans to investigate music streaming market

Published on 02 Aug 2022.

The UK's Competition & Markets Authority recently published its interim report on the music streaming market, prompting mixed responses from the music industry. Record labels, publishers and streaming providers appear generally pleased with the findings, but various artists, musicians, songwriters and managers say they believe it has underdelivered.

Sports Ticker: CMA's probe into broadcasts, rugby class action and latest sportswear partnerships – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 29 Jul 2022. 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 Cameron Smith win the 150th Open and various investigations into allegations of anti-competitive practices across the sports world (including an antitrust investigation into the PGA Tour concerning its response to LIV Golf), we feature updates on Castore's first female ambassador deal, rugby players' class action lawsuit and highlight the record-breaking attendance and viewership records of this year's UEFA's Women's Euros. As always, if there are any issues on which you'd like more information (or if you have any questions or feedback), please do let us know or get in touch with your usual contact at RPC.

RPC Insurtech in brief - July 2022

Published on 29 Jul 2022. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the July 2022 edition of Insurtech in Brief – a selection of the latest Insurtech news and developments from across the globe.

Wagatha Christie trial timely reminder of inherent risks in litigation between high profile individuals

Published on 29 Jul 2022. By Alex Vakil, Partner

Earlier today, the UK's High Court handed down its decision on the highly publicised case Vardy v Rooney.

Parliamentary Group urges UK government to help musicians and crew tour Europe more easily

Published on 21 Jul 2022.

The All-Parliamentary Group on Music (a cross-party group of more than 100 MPS and Peers) together with representatives from the music industry set out the urgent steps the Government needs to take to help UK musicians following Brexit.

The Summer of ‘Pre-Love’: Has Fast Fashion been Dumped by the British Public?

Published on 20 Jul 2022. By Ela Broderick-Basar, Associate

ITV’s Love Island is back on our screens, officially marking the British summer. This year the show is dumping fast fashion and ‘coupling up’ with its first-ever second-hand clothing sponsor, eBay, with contestants now donning pre-loved pieces sourced from the resale platform.

Tips for approaching innovations using consumer data

Published on 19 Jul 2022. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Amy Blackburn, Senior Associate

Now more than ever, retailers are faced with a wide array of opportunities to use customer data to achieve their commercial objectives. By spotting and assessing key risks early, organisations will be better equipped to avoid breaches of data protection law that may lead to costly fines or claims, failed projects and reputational damage.

Sports Ticker: F1's global exhibition, football executives walk free and Wimbledon's Official Stringer- a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 14 Jul 2022. 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 Novak Djokovic win a fourth consecutive Wimbledon title, McLaren strike a multi-year deal with footwear brand K-Swiss from 2023, and Sky Sports secure rights to show the Joshua v Usyk rematch, we feature updates on Formula 1's latest fan attraction and engagement strategy, Spurs' new streaming platform, and the latest on the corruption trials of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini. As always, if there are any issues on which you'd like more information (or if you have any questions or feedback), please do let us know or get in touch with your usual contact at RPC.

Cyber_Bytes - Issue 42

Published on 06 Jul 2022. By Richard Breavington, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Ian Dinning, Senior Associate and Rachel Ford, Partner and Christopher Ashton, Senior Associate and Bethan Griffiths, Senior Associate and Laura Thackeray, Senior Associate and Helen Monachan, Associate and Elizabeth Zang, Associate and Emanuele Santella , Associate

Welcome to Cyber_Bytes, our regular round-up of key developments in cyber, tech and evolving risks.

RPC strengthens award-winning Technology practice with leading Partner hire

Published on 04 Jul 2022.

International law firm RPC has hired Commercial, Technology and Outsourcing lawyer Tania Williams to join the firm's award-winning Technology practice in London as a Partner. Tania starts from the 4 July 2022.

Sports Ticker: Sport stars' NFTs, the 2026 World Cup hosts and a sustainable F1 partnership - a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 01 Jul 2022. 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 Britvic's Robinsons and Wimbledon end their 86-year partnership and Loughborough University collaborate with FIFA on artificial pitch testing, we feature updates on England's Rugby Football League deal with Betfred, the NFT ventures of Ronaldo and Michael Owen, and the BBC's renewal of its broadcasting rights for the London Marathon.

All is not (necessarily) lost: Crypto crime recovery

Published on 30 Jun 2022. By Adam Craggs, Partner

With over 2 million people in the UK now holding and using cryptocurrency, and the Chancellor announcing that a government backed non-fungible token ("NFT") is to be issued by the Royal Mint this summer, the market for crypto-assets is expected to continue to grow in the coming months and years; so much so that legislation is planned to implement a new regulatory regime for the crypto market.

RPC Insurtech in brief - June 2022

Published on 29 Jun 2022. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the June 2022 edition of Insurtech in Brief – a selection of the latest Insurtech news and developments from across the globe.