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The November 2023 AI safety summit and the UK's direction of travel

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Knowledge Lawyer

The government has confirmed that the UK AI safety summit will be held at Bletchley Park on 1 and 2 November 2023.

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.

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.

EU AI ACT-ion stations

Published on 29 Sep 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Charles Buckworth, Partner

The EU is forging ahead with its vision for AI. With wrapping up talks on the EU AI Act between the EU governments, the Commission and the parliamentary negotiators imminent, we bring you up to date on the EU's risk based approach, the scope of the Act, a timeline, key points that will form the basis of the discussions and next steps.

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

Fraudsters are quick to weaponise new technological developments and artificial intelligence is proving no exception, with AI-assisted scams increasingly being reported in the news, including most recently one using a likeness of a BBC broadcaster.

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.

Football regulator heralds new era for The Beautiful Game

Published on 18 May 2022. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Last month, sports minister Nigel Huddleston formally confirmed the government’s support for the 10 strategic recommendations set out in the final report published last December by the independent fan-led review into governance, ownership and sustainability in English football.

Sports Ticker (10 May 2021) - Para-sport basketball league, Premier League TV Rights and Olympic Virtual Series

Published on 10 May 2021. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

Sports Ticker (22 April 2021) - Super League, full stadiums and Coin for Respect

Published on 23 Apr 2021. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

Sports Ticker (12 Mar 2021) - Rugby World Cup, Fenway Sports Group and Dettol

Published on 12 Mar 2021. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

Sports Ticker (25 Feb 2021) - England Cricket partnership, New Balance and Fantasy Premier League

Published on 25 Feb 2021. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

Sports Ticker (12 February 2021) - Super Bowl LV, NBA investment and Ligue 1 broadcasting

Published on 12 Feb 2021. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

Welcome to the latest edition of the RPC Sports Ticker - providing fortnightly bite-size updates from around the sports industry.

The risk of cyber threats to sports organisations (and key steps to reduce exposure)

Published on 01 Dec 2020. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

Manchester United FC's recent cyber-attack came just weeks after an article we wrote for LawInSport on the topic.

Sheffield United, or divided? Implying duties of good faith

Published on 04 Nov 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

The High Court has held that the duty to act with good faith should not be implied into an agreement between the owners of Sheffield United FC.

Sporting compromise – tips for settling sports disputes

Published on 24 Oct 2019. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Some practical tips for sports clubs when settling disputes – with a focus on those issues that regularly arise in a sporting context.

Look what you made me do – avoid inducing a breach of a sporting contract

Published on 12 Sep 2019. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate

eFootball transfers: Juve and Man U snub FIFA to sign for PES

Published on 07 Aug 2019.

The RPC Sports group round-up football eSports deals: Juventus and Manchester United sign eSports partnerships with Pro Evolution Soccer, whilst Liverpool FC partners with FIFA.

Spurs suffer Champions League defeat to the Advertising Standards Authority

Published on 08 Jul 2019.

Spurs' heartbreak in Madrid was not the only loss they suffered on their Champions League journey this year. A tweet from Spurs announcing their line-up for their knock-out game against Borussia Dortmund featured the gambling operator William Hill, and was ruled to contravene the CAP Code.

Reforms to the FA's Regulations on Working with Intermediaries

Published on 01 Jul 2019. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

RPC summarise the key changes to the FA's Regulations on Working with Intermediaries (the "Regulations"), and offer practical tips to agencies, clubs and players to manage their impact.

Smoke and mirrors? Big Tobacco slip(stream)s back into Formula One sponsorship deals

Published on 18 Feb 2019.

RPC reports on Philip Morris and British American Tobacco securing major partnerships with Ferrari and McLaren, prompting investigations into their compliance with domestic and international advertising laws.

CMA clamps down on unfair gambling promotions

Published on 01 Feb 2018. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial

The CMA has spoken: online gambling operators must act now to avoid falling foul of misleading terms and practices. See below for our list of dos and don’ts.

Spurs 2 : 0 HMRC – termination payment not taxable earnings

Published on 20 Dec 2017. By Michelle Sloane, Partner and Adam Craggs, Partner

The Upper Tribunal (UT) has confirmed the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) that payments made by Spurs in respect of two players on early termination of their contracts were not earnings. They were termination payments and, therefore, were outside the scope of national insurance contributions (NICs).

Swansea City player Bony keeps former agents in play

Published on 14 Sep 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

In a dispute with his agents over secret commissions, Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony has succeeded in opposing a stay in English Court proceedings, which would have been implemented had the Court found he had agreed to arbitrate. The decision is an important reminder that national courts will have jurisdiction to hear a claim if the parties have not agreed (expressly or impliedly) to resolve the dispute using arbitration.

Edgar Davids wins League of Legends image rights claim

Published on 23 Aug 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Dutch football icon Edgar Davids has succeeded in suing Riot Games – makers of the world's biggest video game and eSports phenomenon, League of Legends.

Barton succeeds in reducing betting ban

Published on 04 Aug 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Joey Barton has succeeded in reducing the ban imposed on him by the FA Commission following breaches of FA Rules concerning betting – but he's still banned until 1 June 2018

Using VR in sports – virtual insanity or future reality?

Published on 01 Aug 2017.

Stoke City has become the latest Premier League club to announce that it will use virtual reality (VR) technology as a training tool for its goalkeepers.

A shot in the arm for football sponsorship – clubs take advantage of new shirt sleeve regulations

Published on 24 Jul 2017.

As forecasted in our blog post back in April, it wasn't long before other Premier League teams followed Manchester City's lead in announcing major tie-ups for shirt sleeve sponsorship.

Indian sports broadcast network 'bowled out' for breach of a media rights agreement

Published on 18 Jul 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

This article considers New Zealand Cricket (Incorporation) v Neo Sports Broadcast PVT Ltd in which the High Court exercised its discretion and lifted a stay to allow the claimant, New Zealand Cricket, to successfully obtain summary judgment on a breach of contract claim with elements of bad faith counter-arguments.

Bournemouth bets on shirt sponsorship deal with M88

Published on 05 Jul 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

AFC Bournemouth announces a two year deal with online gambling company M88, which includes shirt sponsorship and pitch-side branding.

Barton bets big and loses: sanctions, mitigation and next steps

Published on 15 May 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

What is the appropriate sanction for breaching the prohibition on betting on football matches, and what effect will mitigating factors have on the sanction?

Hacked – IAAF victim of cyber-attack compromising athlete data

Published on 10 Apr 2017.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has been subject to a data breach – allegedly by Russian hacking group Fancy Bears - potentially compromising the sensitive data of a number of athletes.

Sleeve sponsorship – a new trick up the sleeve for Premier League teams

Published on 03 Apr 2017.

The blog provides an insight into the consequences arising from the introduction of sleeve sponsors to the Premier League, with a particular focus on club's existing commercial arrangements and deals that are being negotiated/will be negotiated.

Going for Gold: A New Code for Sports Governance

Published on 30 Jan 2017. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Any sports body or organisation that wishes to rely on public funding must now comply with a new Code for Sports Governance, and it requires preparation now.

Chelsea swap Adidas for £900m Nike deal

Published on 28 Oct 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Chelsea FC and Nike have agreed the largest kit sponsorship/ supply agreement in the English Premier League worth £900m (£60m per year for 15 years). The announcement comes nearly 6 months after the Chelsea and Adidas kit sponsorship/supply agreement was terminated part way through a 10 year term.

Sponsors drop lying Lochte - the fallout from Rio 2016

Published on 24 Aug 2016. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Importance of anti-embarrassment clauses highlighted by US Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte being dropped by sponsors, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren.

China’s richest man strikes deal to host new global football tournament

Published on 21 Jul 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Dalian Wanda Group planned to create a European club tournament to rival the UEFA Champions League.

World eSports Association formed

Published on 26 May 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

A new governing association was formed this month by the Electronic Sports League (“ESL”) and a number of eSports teams.