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Perspective - Blog

'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.

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Perspective - Blog

Weighty issues for diet app developers

Published on 04 Jan 2022. By Dorothy Flower, Partner

2022 is set to be the year of the diet app. The distinction between what is a mere lifestyle app and what should in fact be a regulated medical product or service can be difficult to assess.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #39 – Alpro in hot water over environmental claims, the ASA reports on social media alcohol ads and Tesco introduces checkout-less stores

Published on 04 Nov 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner and Ellie Chakarto, Associate and Harpreet Kaur, Associate

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites 38 – Green Claims Code gets the green light, McDonald's announces new plant-based products and EU to UK import controls delayed until 2022

Published on 12 Oct 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner and Ellie Chakarto, Associate and Harpreet Kaur, Associate

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites 37 – another trade mark dispute brewing for Oatly? the ASA publishes mixed-media advertising advice, along with a pro-advertiser ruling on greenwashing

Published on 09 Sep 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

The food and drink sector: Brexit and beyond

Published on 06 Sep 2021.

Last November we hosted a Food & Drink focused Brexit & Beyond panel discussion. During that event, our expert panel shared their insights into the most pressing issues facing the sector at that time and provided guidance on how companies could prepare for the expiry of the Brexit transition period. Now that we are firmly into 'Beyond' territory, we recorded a follow-up discussion in July.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites 36 - HFSS restrictions delayed, Oatly faces 'greenwashing' claims and Heineken settles its dispute with the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council

Published on 05 Aug 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites Summer Bumper Edition 2021

Published on 20 Jul 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

Waste not, want not! The UK Government "zeroes" in on plastic waste in Food & Drink

Published on 13 Jul 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

Through a series of recent consultations and legislative initiatives, the Government has shown it is serious about reducing plastic waste and shifting the UK towards a more circular economy. The Government's motivation for doing so is clear: The UK reportedly generates more plastic waste per person than any other country bar the US and currently less than 10% of household plastics are recycled. This is partly due to present difficulties in recycling so-called 'soft plastics', which the Government intends to enforce the collection of by 2026.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites 34 - Mediterranean tonic water too descriptive for the EUIPO, enhanced regulation for alcohol ads and UK-Australia trade deal agreed in principle

Published on 01 Jul 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #33 – Battle of the gins, the future of soft plastics and serious food for thought for advertisers of HFSS products

Published on 15 Jun 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #32 - breaking news: the EU rejects Amendment 171 on dairy descriptors, mixed alcoholic and alcohol-free beer packs hit Tesco's shelves and the CMA issues draft guidance on green claims

Published on 27 May 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #31 - Rugby World Cup win for Japan's Asahi Breweries, Co-op's sustainability drive continues with compostable bags and food past its best before date and Gordon Ramsay calls out Lucky Cat Noodle

Published on 13 May 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #30 - Cypriot cheese receives protected status, Colin v Cuthbert continues and finally, clarity on composite food products

Published on 30 Apr 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

Stay on top of Intellectual Property

Published on 20 Apr 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

Whether you’re just starting out or launching a new product, there are a wealth of intellectual property issues to consider in the world of distilling. Here, Ciara Cullen, Ben Mark and Sarah Mountain outline those do’s and don’ts, the changing landscape and how to thrive in 2021 and beyond.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #29 - breaking news: Colin the Caterpillar v Cuthbert the Caterpillar, uncertainty continues for composite products and packaging producers to face extended responsibility

Published on 16 Apr 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #28 - Northern Ireland Protocol breakthrough extended, the future of Easter eggs and an environmentally friendly beer partnership

Published on 01 Apr 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #27 - Government 'anti-obesity deadlines' are near on impossible warn retailers and further red tape angst is on the cards for composite food products

Published on 18 Mar 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #26 - A welcome ASA ruling for HFSS products, the Scotch Whisky industry is calling and the decision to regulate the CBD industry in the UK.

Published on 04 Mar 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #25 - Dry January further boosts no/lo sales, PepsiCo and Beyond Meat join forces and Mondelez faces price fixing allegations

Published on 18 Feb 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #24 - Brexit hits Percy Pigs, HFSS restrictions to become law in 2022 and a reminder that despite popular belief, honey is not medicinal

Published on 27 Jan 2021. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #23 - Northern Ireland Protocol breakthrough, victory for the UK organics sector and eco faux pas for Gousto

Published on 17 Dec 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

Brexit and Beyond panel discussion

Published on 11 Dec 2020.

Top tips for the food and drink sector

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #22 - Brexit tips with 30 days to go, ASA rulings and farming subsidy reforms

Published on 03 Dec 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

European Parliament votes on plant-based food labels

Published on 25 Nov 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate

On 23 October 2020, the European Parliament voted on proposed amendments to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) which would affect how plant-based products can be labelled in the EU.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #21 – burgers, Brexit and bans for online ads

Published on 20 Nov 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

CMA launches Investigation into green claims

Published on 20 Nov 2020. By Sophie Tuson, Senior Associate and Ciara Cullen, Partner

The CMA, the UK's consumer watchdog, has launched an investigation into environmental claims made by businesses to promote their products.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #20

Published on 06 Nov 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

Neat infringement claim leaves whiskey competitor’s trade mark on the rocks

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Harris, Associate

The producers of Eagle Rare bourbon whiskey have succeeded in their trade mark infringement claim against competitor, American Eagle. The case highlights the impact of market-specific context in determining whether consumers are likely to be confused by similar trade marks. Whilst the case has general relevance, it will be of specific interest to alcohol and luxury goods brands.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #19

Published on 20 Oct 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #18

Published on 08 Oct 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #17

Published on 24 Sep 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #16

Published on 10 Sep 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure.

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Perspective - Blog

CBD products no longer ex-hemp from regulation

Published on 02 Sep 2020. By Sarah Mountain, Partner

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for food and drink products containing cannabidiol (CBD). Popular items have ranged from oils with added CBD to CBD-infused chocolate and kombucha. With the market experiencing double digit growth year on year and a recent spike in demand during 'lockdown', UK consumers continue to demonstrate ever greater interest in CBD products. But with new regulatory requirements on the horizon, are things about to change?

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #15

Published on 26 Aug 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #14

Published on 07 Aug 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #13

Published on 21 Jul 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!

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Perspective - Blog

VAT'll do nicely – temporary VAT rate cut to boost hospitality and tourism sectors

Published on 13 Jul 2020. By Ben Roberts, Partner

Last week, as part of efforts to boost the UK economy in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chancellor announced a temporary (6 month) cut in the rate of VAT for certain supplies of hospitality, hotel and holiday accommodation, and admissions to certain attractions.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #12

Published on 08 Jul 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #11

Published on 24 Jun 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!

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Perspective - Blog

Beware the desire to "make hay while the sun shines" – the ASA warns marketers to "think very carefully" before making COVID-19 claims

Published on 17 Jun 2020. By Sarah Mountain, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

There is no denying the recent popularity of health and wellness trends: As at the end of 2018, the market had an estimated global value of $4.2 trillion. During the current climate, it has understandably gathered even more traction, with consumers increasingly concerned about obtaining and maintaining healthy bodies and minds.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #10

Published on 10 Jun 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure.

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Perspective - Blog

RPC Bites #9

Published on 29 May 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner and Ben Mark, Partner

Welcome to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of some key legal, regulatory and commercial developments in the Food & Drink sector over the last fortnight… with the occasional bit of industry gossip thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!

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Perspective - Blog

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.

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Perspective - Blog

Fixing up the rules: changes to the fixed recoverable costs regime coming soon to a White Book near you!

Published on 20 Feb 2024. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Practitioners are eagerly awaiting the first decisions to see how the Court deals with tricky issues such as the effect of the transitional provisions and assignment of a complexity band. In the meantime, the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Ministry of Justice have been busy refining the rules and the 163rd update to the Civil Procedure Rules has been published. We've read it all so that you don't have to and explain below what's new in the world of FRC.

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Perspective - Blog

Vehicle finance – FOS driving review forward, but is anyone behind the wheel?

Published on 08 Feb 2024. By David Allinson, Partner

In this article, David Allinson, Partner at RPC, has teamed up with Alex Barry, Claims Director at Collegiate Management Services Ltd, to consider a recent Financial Ombudsman Service decision concerning discretionary commission arrangements and vehicle finance loans. FOS has now published a small number of Final Decisions on this topic, which have been picked up by Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert.com) and the FCA, and could have wide-ranging consequences for a number of different professions and their insurers.

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Perspective - Blog

Severe consequences: severance of success fee provisions in a CFA not allowed

Published on 27 Nov 2023. By Graham Reid, Partner and Georgia Durham, Associate

In Diag Human v Volterra Fietta [2023] EWCA Civ 1107 , the Court of Appeal held that a firm of solicitors that had entered into an unenforceable conditional fee agreement (CFA) could not obtain payment by severing the offending terms of the agreement and nor was payment on a quantum meruit basis permitted for public policy reasons. The consequence of this was that their clients were entitled to the return of sums paid on account.

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Perspective - Blog

Navigating professional risks and opportunities facing the legal profession in an ever-changing legal and commercial landscape

Published on 17 Nov 2023. By Scott Ashby, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

The legal profession is undergoing significant changes, driven by a range of challenges and opportunities. In recent years, the legal landscape has experienced a period of transformation, marked by unforeseen challenges and emerging horizons. This transformation has been propelled by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving regulations, the increasing prominence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI). In this article, we examine the risks that lawyers face due to these factors, including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) focus on addressing toxic workplaces and sexual misconduct, cultural shifts, and the implications of AI.

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Perspective - Blog

Key considerations crime and D&O insurers cannot a-fraud to ignore

Published on 15 Nov 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Jessica Pease, Associate

The UK government is committed to reforming corporate criminal liability and making it "quicker and easier" to prosecute companies involved in fraudulent conduct. These reforms will no doubt be welcomed by many where the nature and scale of fraud in the UK has evolved significantly and now constitutes more than 40% of all offences in England and Wales. However, it will inevitably have an impact on insurers, especially the D&O insurance market.

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Perspective - Blog

Overview of the key risks affecting the Professional and Financial Risks market

Published on 11 Oct 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner and Head of Professional and Financial Risks and Scott Ashby, Partner and Graham Reid, Partner and Richard Breavington, Partner and Ben Goodier, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Laura Stocks, Partner and Kirstie Pike, Partner and Robert Morris, Partner and Tom Wild, Senior Associate

Last month RPC's Professional and Financial Risks team hosted a panel discussion to address the evolving challenges and responsibilities faced by professional clients in the current economic landscape. Access our document to explore the key insights from the session.

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