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Fire Safety Act 2021: Clarification for the Responsible Person

Published on 09 Aug 2021. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

The Fire Safety Bill (the "Bill") received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and is now known as the Fire Safety Act 2021 (the "Act"). Although the date has not yet been confirmed for when the Act comes into force, this is another significant development on the issue of fire safety.

The Week That Was – 6 August 2021

Published on 06 Aug 2021. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Pursuant to a building contract novated to Toppan, Simply was engaged to construct a care home and subsequently provided a collateral warranty in favour or the operator, Abbey. Defects were found at the care home and Abbey obtained an adjudicator's decision against Simply for damages for loss of trading profit.

Architect receives 12 month suspension over "ugly duckling" home cinema design

Published on 06 Aug 2021. By Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Emrys Moore, Associate

Daniel Marcal, an internationally renowned and award winning architect, was retained by Phillip Freeborn, former head of operations at Barclays Capital and his wife Christina Goldie to design an "architectural jewel" of a home cinema, in their £7 million London home. However, as Mr Freeborn told the High Court in his claim against Mr Marcal, he ended up with a "wonky" "expensive white elephant", rather than the sleek modernist cube floating over his pool that he had wanted.

The Week That Was - 30 July 2021

Published on 30 Jul 2021. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

The Week That Was - 23 July 2021

Published on 23 Jul 2021. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

Knot so Weedy Afterall? RICS issues new draft guidance on Japanese Knotweed

Published on 19 Jul 2021. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

The RICS is seeking consultation on its Japanese Knotweed draft guidance note. The consultation, which you can access here, opened on 22 June 2021 and closes on 3 August 2021.

Disciplinary investigations against architects #6 - Professional Conduct Committee Hearing: What to expect

Published on 18 Jun 2021. By Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Further to our previous five articles detailing the stages of the Architect Registration Board's (ARB) disciplinary process up to the Referral to Professional Conduct Committee stage, this article considers the Professional Conduct Committee Hearing, and what Architects should expect if their case reaches this stage.

New RICS Guidance for Risks, Liability and Insurance April 2021

Published on 18 May 2021. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

The RICS have produced a new Guidance Note entitled "Risks, Liability and Insurance", which came into effect on 1 April 2021. This note is a must read for surveyors and provides practical advice for risk management and the points to consider when seeking professional indemnity cover.

Fire safety – at last, some welcome news for surveyors

Published on 15 Apr 2021. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner and Katharine Cusack, Partner

We set out below news of a welcome change to the professional indemnity insurance available to surveyors relating to their fire safety work.

The RICS key to unlock the market?

Published on 09 Mar 2021. By Alexandra Anderson, Partner

In December 2019, the RICS launched a new form, the EWS1, to assist with the process of valuing properties within all residential buildings over six storeys (18 metres). In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, lenders were needing to understand whether materials used for cladding/insulation were safe and would require remediation at a cost that would have impact on the value of the property. The EWS1 form was intended to provide a quick route to ascertain whether works were required that might have an impact on value.

Disciplinary investigations against architects #5 - Referral to Professional Conduct Committee

Published on 16 Feb 2021. By Emma Wherry, Senior Associate and Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate

Further to our previous four articles detailing the stages of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process up to the Investigations Panel Stage, this article considers the steps that are taken by the ARB in order to refer the matter to the Professional Conduct Committee and the steps that an Architect may wish to take to prepare for that hearing.

The Week That Was - 27th November 2020

Published on 27 Nov 2020. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

The Week That Was - 13 November 2020

Published on 13 Nov 2020. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

The Week That Was - 6th November 2020

Published on 06 Nov 2020. By Ben Goodier, Partner

The week that was - 30th October 2020

Published on 30 Oct 2020. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

The Week That Was - 23rd October 2020

Published on 23 Oct 2020. By Ben Goodier, Partner

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

Health and Safety Bulletin – June 2020

Published on 01 Jul 2020.

Welcome to the latest edition of our Health and Safety update.

Building on renewable energy #2 - Wind power

Published on 05 Mar 2020.

Wind power is, unsurprisingly, generated by wind (typically as little as a light breeze) passing over and turning the turbine's blades. The blades are connected via a shaft and gearbox to a generator, which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. A transformer then increases the voltage of the generated energy to enable transmission to the grid.

Disciplinary investigations against architects #3 – The review stage

Published on 24 Feb 2020. By Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate

Further to our previous two articles which provided (1) an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process and (2) a review of the complaints stage we explain the next stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the review stage.

Disciplinary investigations against architects #2 - Complaints to the ARB

Published on 23 Jan 2020. By Sarah O'Callaghan, Senior Associate and Emma Wherry, Senior Associate

Further to our previous article which provided an overview of the Architect Registration Board's disciplinary process, we explain the first stage of a disciplinary investigation against an Architect, the complaint stage.

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.

AI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession

Published on 08 Jul 2024. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rather new concept for many (ignoring those versed in 80’s Sci-Fi movies); it’s something many don’t know much about and certainly don’t use in our day-to-day lives (or at least appreciate we are using). However, that’s not the case for everyone. Auditors have long been reaping the benefits of AI, but are auditors just scratching the surface of what AI can offer and what impact will an increased use have on their insurance requirements and claims they face?

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act becomes law

Published on 04 Jun 2024. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Chris Ross, Partner and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel and Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

Following the announcement of a date for the general election, the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC) rapidly sped through the final stages of parliamentary processes to become law on 24 May 2024

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.

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.

Criminal Liability for Senior Managers under the Online Safety Act

Published on 05 Oct 2023. By Jessica Kingsbury, Associate

Under the Online Safety Act (OSA), senior managers of in-scope services could be held personally liable in certain circumstances for the company's non-compliance with obligations within the legislation.

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.

RPC Insurtech in brief - July 2023

Published on 12 Jul 2023. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the July 2023 edition of Insurtech in Brief - a selection of the latest insurtech news and developments from across the globe.

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.

RPC Insurtech in brief - March 2023

Published on 15 Mar 2023. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the March 2023 edition of Insurtech in Brief - a selection of the latest insurtech news and developments from across the globe.

RPC Insurtech in brief - February 2023

Published on 06 Feb 2023. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the February 2023 edition of Insurtech in Brief - a selection of the latest insurtech news and developments from across the globe.

New Digital Regulators on the 2023 Horizon: the Digital Markets Unit and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency

Published on 02 Dec 2022. By David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech and Chris Ross, Partner and Leonia Chesterfield, Of Counsel

For a number of years, the UK Government has been laying the groundwork to bring in a digital markets regime to regulate digital firms designated as having ‘strategic market status’ (SMS). To be designated as having SMS, a firm must have 'substantial and entrenched market power' in at least one activity. Companies having SMS are likely to include the largest tech firms such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta (the so called 'GAMMA' firms).

RPC Insurtech in brief - November 2022

Published on 17 Nov 2022. By Neil Brown, Partner and William Hogarth, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

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

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

RPC Insurtech in brief - January 2022

Published on 14 Jan 2022. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the January edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - October 2021

Published on 21 Oct 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the October edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - November 2021

Published on 21 Oct 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the November edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - September 2021

Published on 14 Sep 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the September edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - August 2021

Published on 16 Aug 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the August edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - July 2021

Published on 16 Jul 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the July edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - June 2021

Published on 17 Jun 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the June edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief - May 2021

Published on 10 May 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the May edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.

RPC Insurtech in brief April 2021

Published on 07 Apr 2021. By Neil Brown, Partner and Daniel Guilfoyle, Partner and Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Welcome to the April edition from RPC of Insurtech in brief, providing you with a handful of snappy monthly updates from the industry.