News & Insights (2010)

New European rules on agreements between competitors

The New Research & Development and Specialisation Block Exemption Regulations and Horizontal Co-Operation Agreements ...

First High Court decision on the automatic stay of a procurement

Indigo Services (UK) Limited v The Colchester Institute Corporation, David Donaldson QC as a Deputy High Court judge (1 December ...

Finance Update - December 2010

Welcome to the December issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: Pensions: What is the effect of Financial Support ...

High Court rules that there is copyright in headlines and short extracts

The Implications In late November, the High Court delivered its judgment in the Newspaper Licensing Agency Limited (the NLA) v ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - December 2010

Welcome to the December issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: Pensions: What ...

Taylor Wessing Commercial Challenge – the results are in!

Taylor Wessing is pleased to announce that team ‘Long Island’ from the London School of Economics were announced last week as the ...

Bribery Act Masterclass

In this Vodcast we explain: the increased risk for SME's posed by the Bribery Act, compared to larger enterprises;imminent ...

Taylor Wessing advises Google on acquisition of Phonetic Arts

The EU Patent and the EU Patents Court - what does 2011 hold?

As we enter 2011 the question still remains - are we any closer to a unified patent system for Europe?  Below is a summary ...

Corporate Tax Reform - Controlled Foreign Company Rules

The long anticipated document entitled "Corporate Tax Reform" was published by the Government on 29 November 2010. The ...

Adapting your employment contracts to the FSA's new Code? We offer you a free consultation

The Financial Services Authority's Remuneration Code, which came into force at the start of this year, is about to be revised and ...

Pensions Update - December 2010

Welcome to the December issue of "Pensions Pieces", our bi-monthly newsletter. Our aim is to highlight interesting ...

Sympathy for the Developer?

Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m a developer of wealth and taste...’ as Jagger almost said. And with those words agents ...

The UK Supreme Court reformulates the “Honest Comment” Defence

Last week, the UK Supreme Court delivered a media friendly ruling, reinstating a fair comment defence in the case of Spiller and ...

Taylor Wessing expands equity capital markets practice with the hire of Tandeep Minhas

International law firm Taylor Wessing has hired partner Tandeep Minhas to join the Financial Institutions and Markets group. ...

Pharma and Social Media – What Does 2011 Hold?

2010 was the year in which the FDA had said they would issue some guidance on the use of social media by pharma.  It was ...

Public and Regulatory Law Update - December 2010

Cabinet Office consultation on time limits under the procurement regulations The Cabinet Office (CO) has recently published a ...

More heartburn for the pharma sector

The European Commission has escalated its crackdown on the pharma sector, conducting dawn raids yesterday on the originator ...

The Second E-money Directive: Fast forwarding change and industry expansion

The Second Electronic Money Directive must be transposed into UK law by 30 April 2011. HM Treasury has issued a Consultation ...

Virgin Atlantic Airways loses its business lie flat bed case against Delta Airways

Yesterday, Mr. Justice Arnold handed down his judgment in Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd v Delta Airways Inc on a summary judgment ...

英国政府宣佈由二零一一年四月设移民上限 UK Government announces immigration cap from April 2011

计分制於二零零八年启用，而英国内政部与独立移民委员会曾不断对计分制作出修改及变更，从而保证只有优秀及出色的一群才拿到签证。 在二零一零年十一月二十三日，英国内政部宣佈新规条将於二零一一年四月启用，但雇主及签证申请人都应尽早想出对策。 ...

Wealth Briefing - Organisation Insight

Taylor Wessing's Private Client featured as WealthBriefing's Organisation Insight in December 2010 While the private banking ...

Taylor Wessing advises nlyte Software Limited on US$12m funding round

European law firm Taylor Wessing has advised nlyte Software Limited, a leading provider of data center infrastructure management ...

India Group: UK Government announces immigration cap from April 2011

The Points-Based System (PBS) was launched in 2008. Since its introduction the UK Border Agency (UKBA), with the assistance of ...

Outright bans of internet sales, selective distribution, and competition law

Internet sales still constitute one of the biggest commercial challenges to owners of luxury and specialist brands, and the key ...

European funding gap widens: latest research into cleantech and renewable energy

The early-stage funding arena has been deserted by most venture capital funds and the private equity community en masseA scarcity ...

UK Government announces immigration cap from April 2011

The Points-Based System (PBS) was launched in 2008. Since its introduction the UK Border Agency (UKBA), with the assistance of ...

Football Dataco’s copyright and database right claim

Where does the act of "making available" take place? Last week, the High Court gave an interesting ruling in a ...

Taylor Wessing acts for f-star on therapeutic technology collaboration

Taylor Wessing has acted for antibody engineering company f-star on a collaboration and license agreement with Boehringer ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - November 2010

Welcome to the November issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: Administration: ...

Bunker oil pollution liability insurance and Iranian sanctions

Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines v. Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Ltd [2010] - Commercial Court 26 ...

Finance Update - November 2010

Welcome to the November issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: Intercreditor Arrangements: make sure they provide the ...

Business Immigration - How does a growth company hire non-EU employees?

The extent to which non-European nationals should be able to live and work in the UK continues to be a political hot potato. ...

Public and Regulatory Law Update - November 2010

Veolia v Nottinghamshire County CouncilCourt of Appeal decision to protect confidential information Issue The Court of Appeal ...

Ministry of Justice announces timetable for the Defamation Bill and likely costs reform

On Monday, the Government published the Ministry of Justice’s business plan for the period 2011-2015. Among other things, the ...

David Cameron faces European constraints in introducing a US fair use copyright exception

David Cameron announced last week that there will be an independent review into how the UK’s intellectual property system can ...

Portrait of Teenage Hunter Wins Top Photo Prize

Property Insurance - Non-disclosure and breach of warranty

Sugar Hut Group Ltd & Ors v. Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) Plc & Ors [2010] Commercial Court, 26 October 2010 This ...

Green Gulf – a sustainable future for the Middle East

What Europe and the Middle East can learn from each other when building a green economyGovernments across the world have stressed ...

Initial Public Offers - a Taylor Wessing Guide

Taylor Wessing has published an updated guide which sets out in general terms issues arising in connection with an initial public ...

Taylor Wessing strengthens its Middle East practice with new partner promotion

Taylor Wessing Middle East today announced the promotion of Hasan Rizvi to partner based in its Dubai office.  This ...

China Alerter October 2010

Current Developments in International Taxation – Opportunities and Risks for Small and Medium-Sized Companies Investing in ...

Arbitration Time Limits and the Third Party (Rights Against Insurers) Act 1930

William McIlroy Swindon Ltd v. Quinn Insurance Ltd [2010] Technology and Construction Court, 12 October 2010 The claims arose ...

2010 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme - winners announced

Taylor Wessing advises on future of Portsmouth City Football Club

International law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has advised Alexandre Gaydamak, as a creditor and charge holder in relation to ...

CRC and the Spending Review - The Government keeps the money

Background Even before the expiry of the first registration period for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) on 30 September ...

OFT Consultation – The application of competition law to land agreements

Background Land agreements currently benefit from an exemption in relation to Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998 (the ...

Subrogated Claims and Mesothelioma and the Insurance Trigger

In this issue of Insurance & Reinsurance Update we look at 2 different cases: Subrogated Claims - costs orders against ...

Taylor Wessing's Islamic Finance team commended in FT Innovative Lawyers report

Taylor Wessing's Islamic Finance team has been commended in the Financial Services section of the 2010 FT Innovative Lawyers ...

Taylor Wessing advises Environmental Technologies Fund on latest investment

Leading international law firm Taylor Wessing has advised Environmental Technologies Fund ('ETF') on the joint management buy-out ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - October 2010

Welcome to the October issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: Administration ...

MPF award for Taylor Wessing's commitment to sustainability

Taylor Wessing is celebrating after winning the Sustainability Reporting category at the prestigious MPF European Practice ...

UK Sustainability Benchmarking Survey

Benchmarking performance in the built environment is central to the implementation of the sustainability agenda in the ...

Finance Update - October 2010

Welcome to the October issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: Guarantees – check your drafting Subrogation can save ...

Will European regulation on OTC derivatives bring about an era of fixed rate loans?

Interest rate hedging has been an element of many real estate finance transactions in recent years. This is often achieved by the ...

Taylor Wessing Middle East Strengthens Corporate Commercial Team with Senior Associate

  Taylor Wessing Middle East has taken on board senior associate Ben Constance to further strengthen its corporate ...

Governing Law and Jurisdiction in Reinsurance – Foreign Reinsurer Participation in a London Programme

Gard Marine & Energy v. (1) Lloyd Tunnicliffe; (2) Glacier Re & Anor [2010]  Court of Appeal 6 October 2009 The ...

Taylor Wessing advises Prime Commercial Properties on the sale of the Billstedt-Center

International law firm Taylor Wessing has advised Prime Commercial Properties (PCP) on the recent sale of the Billstedt-Center in ...

InFocus - Life Sciences & Healthcare e-newsletter - October 2010

Welcome to the October 2010 edition of InFocus, the Life Sciences and Healthcare newsletter. This month we discuss: Developing ...

Hotels: Social networking & apps – don't get left behind

Hotels are increasingly turning to social media and mobile phone applications ('apps') as key initiatives to build brand loyalty, ...

Taylor Wessing advises on LGV Capital backed MBO of Snow+Rock Group

Taylor Wessing's Private Equity group has advised the Management team on the management buyout of Snow+Rock Sports Limited. The ...

Taylor Wessing strengthens corporate recovery offering with new partner hire from Jones Day

Taylor Wessing has hired Claire Martin-Royle as a new partner in the firm's Restructuring & Corporate Recovery group. Claire ...

Construction Law in the UAE - Expert Insight Q&A

Mark Fraser, a partner in the Dubai office of Taylor Wessing answers questions on where the construction future for the UAE ...

Taylor Wessing advises innovative tech company, PrismaStar, on £2 million funding round

Leading international law firm Taylor Wessing has advised software as service business, PrismaStar, on its latest fundraising. ...

"Dangerous" Intellectual Property Myths

Most people these days have heard of intellectual property (or at least copyright).  Whilst the general public's awareness ...

Faster, cheaper IP litigation?

From 1 October 2010, a new procedure becomes available in the English Patents County Court (‘PCC’). It is intended to permit more ...

Recent changes to the UAE Commercial Agencies Law

The UAE federal government has recently published in the Gazette, Federal Law No 2 of 2010, which amends certain provisions of ...

Insurance & Reinsurance Update - Interpretation and application of the "contractual liability" exclusion in a liability insurance policy - September 2010

This case considered whether, where a liability policy contained an exclusion excluding liability arising under a contract unless ...

Every board needs a human director

As from 1 October this year, all companies (including dormant companies) must have at least one natural director, i.e. a human ...

Piracy Blues

The kid gloves are well and truly off in the war on intellectual property rights theft in Saudi Arabia, which in recent months ...

Insurance & Reinsurance Update - Forum conveniens and governing law in reinsurance contracts - September 2010

Stonebridge Underwriting Ltd v Ontario Municipal Insurance Exchange [2010]Commercial Court, 10 September 2010 This case was a ...

ECJ hands down decision in Akzo Nobel/Akcros Chemicals relating to legal professional privilege and in-house lawyers

On 14 September 2010 the ECJ handed down its long awaited judgement in relation to an appeal by Akzo Nobel Chemicals Limited and ...

Finance Update - September 2010

Welcome to the September issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: S123(2) - The Balance Sheet test - A bit of a ...

LEGO Block

Lego has lost its appeal to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Yesterday, the ECJ upheld the General Court’s finding that the ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - September 2010

Welcome to the September issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: S123(2) - The ...

Lending and Investing in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region in 2010

Compared to the relaxed attitude many investors had prior to the onset of the global recession and then the shock of the Dubai ...

Taylor Wessing lawyers recognised in Private Client Practitioner's Top 35 Under 35

Taylor Wessing's private client group are proud to announce that Partner Ryan Myint and Associate Catherine Donovan have been ...

Taylor Wessing advises Emap Limited on its acquisition of leading energy conference and related publications business

International law firm Taylor Wessing has advised new client Emap Limited, the leading business-to-business media group (jointly ...

What's in a link? English law issues with linking online

Linking is a hot topic at the moment, in particular with the NLA's ongoing dispute with Meltwater over its news aggregation ...

Taylor Wessing advises USHIO INC. in the acquisition of Philips Extreme UV business

Taylor Wessing advised USHIO INC. and Ushio's 100% subsidiary XTREME technologies GmbH in connection with the acquisition of ...

Google revises its keywords policy

Following recent caselaw, Google has announced that it intends to make two significant revisions to its adwords policy. The ...

Stricter rules for German employee data protection

Use of Facebook to be made illegal in making hiring decisions Germany continues to tighten its data protection rules for ...

United Arab Emirates: Squeeze-out Guide

This guide sets out an overview of the current legal position in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in respect of the availability of ...

Taylor Wessing engaged to advise Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (Lithuania) on its decommisssioning

International law firm Taylor Wessing has been engaged to represent the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in Lithuania in connection ...

The ASA goes online: Its remit is to extend to digital marketing from March 2011

The Committee of Advertising Practice has today announced that the Advertising Standards Authority's remit will be extended to ...

Keyword Advertising - Settled Points and Open Questions

A closer look at the emerging judicil approach in the European Union The permissibility of optimizing online advertising by ...

Recent changes to Commercial Agencies Law

The UAE federal government recently published in the Gazette Federal Law 2/2010, which amends certain provisions of the ...

Who is The Stig?

A court case to protect the secret identity of Top Gear driver 'The Stig' was itself surrounded by secrecy today. The hearing at ...

Court holds that Euro-defence to grey import action is arguable

Oracle America (formerly Sun Microsystems) v M-Tech [2010] EWCA Civ 997 In a potential set-back for brand owners, the English ...

Taylor Wessing advises Rutland Partners on acquisition of Brandon Hire

Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for long standing private equity client, Rutland Partners LLP, on its acquisition of leading tool ...

What really happens to my property when I die?

Given death’s status as one of life’s few certainties, it is ironic that the inheritance of a Dubai property should have created ...

Brands Update - Summer 2010

Brands Update containing the latest cases from the UK and Community tribunals on registrability and infringement.

Gagging bid thrown out

A German doctor who killed the Cambridgeshire pensioner David Gray with an overdose of a painkiller has lost his bid to gag Mr ...

Securities Law in Germany

About the International Securities Law Handbook: Since its first edition, the International Securities Law Handbook has ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - August 2010

Welcome to the August issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: CVAs: Their effect on ...

UK Listing Authority’s approach to reverse takeovers

Following the UK Listing Authority’s (“UKLA”) publication of revised guidelines on reverse takeovers under the Listing Rules ...

China Alerter August 2010

Operating Business in Chinese Free Trade Zones A free trade zone (FTZ) is an area within mainland China which does not belong to ...

Europe to rule on whether social networking sites must monitor user generated content

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is expected to rule next year on whether a social networking site must monitor user generated ...

Does the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme affect you?

30 September 2010, the end of the registration period for the first phase of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, is rapidly ...

Cloud computing for insurers – fast lane or blind alley?

These days everyone, especially in the insurance industry in Germany, talks about "cloud computing" when the discussion ...

Notional licence fee not the correct measure of damages for infringing CD covermount

This case concerned a CD covermount which included recordings of songs performed at a Jimi Hendrix Experience concert (the Band’s ...

Big Pharma Won't Wait in Rush for Biotech's Drugs

Rising pressure to find new products is prompting big pharmaceutical companies to license or acquire biotechnology companies' ...

Cancellation of sale agreements, not a level playing field yet

The recently published Executive Council Decree No. 6 of 2010 changes the way in which sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) for ...

Taylor Wessing advises Heron International on Milton Court Tower development

Leading international law firm Taylor Wessing has advised long standing client Heron International on the construction aspects of ...

Taylor Wessing announces new partner hire to international Insurance and Reinsurance Group

Taylor Wessing has appointed Susannah Wakefield as a partner within the firm's Insurance and Reinsurance group. Susie joins the ...

Innovation and Flexibility in Litigation Funding

Cost control and certainty is key to successful litigation.   We can help you take the risk and cost of litigation ...

Taylor Wessing sponsors the 2010 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 programme

Rights not always exhausted?

In the latest European judgment on the validity of keyword advertising, the Court of Justice of the European Union ...

Taylor Wessing advises Intelligent Environments Group on its £30m reverse takeover of Documetric to form Parseq plc.

Taylor Wessing has advised AIM quoted online financial services software provider Intelligent Environments Group plc on its £30m ...

Impact of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme on trust structures and assets. Are you ready for change?

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is the UK’s new carbon emissions trading scheme that began operating in April 2010. It ...

Pensions Update - July 2010

Welcome to the July issue of "Pensions Pieces", our bi-monthly newsletter. Our aim is to highlight interesting aspects ...

The UK Corporate Governance Code (formerly the Combined Code)

Following the Financial Reporting Council's (the "FRC") 2009 review of, and consultation on, the Combined Code, the ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - July 2010

Welcome to the July issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update. In this issue we look at: Schemes of Arrangement: ...

Adjudication: Emerging Trends and a Case Law Update

Adjudication in the Construction Industry: The Taylor Wessing Construction and Engineering team consider recent cases and ...

Finance Update - July 2010

Welcome to the July issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: Can an offer letter sent out as part of a package be a stand ...

Key lessons from the FSA's recent penalties on issuers for delayed disclosure

On 21 June 2010, Photo-Me International plc was issued the largest ever financial penalty of its type by the Financial Services ...

Private Client Partners Mark Buzzoni and Andrew Hine listed in the 2010 Spear's Legal Index

Taylor Wessing's Head of Private Client Group Mark Buzzoni and Private Client Partner Andrew Hine have been listed in the 2010 ...

Reporting criminal investigations just got trickier - Flood v Times Newspapers Ltd

Earlier this week, the Court of Appeal ruled that mere reporting of allegations without further investigation will not be covered ...

Deposition in England and Wales to support US proceedings

Orders for the Production of documents and giving of oral testimony Depositions of witnesses and the production of documents to ...

The European Commission's 1st Report on the Monitoring of Patent Settlements was published on 5 July 2010

The Report looks at the European competition law aspects of patent settlements, identifies potentially problematic types of ...

Cloud computing

Although cloud computing has become one of the hottest topics within the IT world over the past few years, a consensus on how it ...

Enforcing US judgments in England

Despite the close commercial links between the US and the UK, there is no convention or treaty providing for the reciprocal ...

Taylor Wessing's Private Client Team shortlisted at 2010 STEP awards

Taylor Wessing's Private Client team have been shortlisted for the London Legal Team of the Year and the Contentious Trust and ...

Injunctive proceedings in England & Wales in support of US proceedings

The English Court may grant injunctions in support of US proceedings under section 25 of the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act ...

Managing Hotel Disputes - A Roadmap to Resolution?

The economic downturn has resulted in a sharp increase in hotel disputes, with Agreements and Leases being taken out of the ...

Court of Justice follows AG's opinion and limits the scope of DNA patents

We reported previously on Advocate General ("AG") M Paolo Mengozzi's non-binding opinion to the Court of Justice of the ...

Important FSA update: anti-bribery and corruption in Commercial Insurance Broking

The FSA has published its final report following its thematic review of anti-bribery and corruption risks in the commercial ...

InFocus - Life Sciences & Healthcare e-newsletter - July 2010

In the July issue of InFocus we discuss: Centralised procedure: guidance on duplicate marketing authorisations KREMEZIN and ...

Business Immigration: Post Election action points for UK employers

After the General Election in May, the new coalition Government announced that it would introduce a cap on working visas. The aim ...

Private Equity: The Management Guide

Setting the scene You are a key member of a management team for a business which is up for sale. It may be one which is part of ...

Handover Imminent? Investors’ Rights……

Nakheel’s recent restructure announcements, including a significant financial commitment from the Dubai Government, bring some ...

Online Behavioural Advertising - EU call for cookie consent may be a privacy ‘own goal’

Background Directive 2002/58 on Privacy and Electronic Communications (the E-Privacy Directive), is a 2002 EU directive on data ...

Mr Justice Tugendhat explores what "defamatory" means in a media friendly ruling

In an important ruling on what "defamatory" means, Mr Justice Tugendhat granted the Telegraph Media Group Limited ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - June 2010

Welcome to the June issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery update. In this issue we look at: Injunctions sought ...

Taylor Wessing partners see PEP increase of 4.4 per cent to £455,000

Taylor Wessing today reports a 4.4 per cent increase in its PEP for the financial year 2009/10, up from £435,000 in ...

It’s time for defamation proceedings to ditch the jury

The recommendation in Lord Lester’s Defamation Bill that the presumption of trial by jury be reversed, and the recent decision of ...

China Alerter June 2010

New State Council Opinion: Directions for Foreign Investment in China On April 6, 2010 the State Council issued the Several ...

Taylor Wessing advises Portrait Software on £44 million takeover

Taylor Wessing has advised the board of AIM listed Portrait Software plc on the recommended cash offer by Pitney Bowes MapInfo UK ...

Finance Update - June 2010

Welcome to the June issue of Finance Update. This month we look at: Injunctions sought by Administrators: who should provide the ...

Property industry says Government's zero carbon building targets are unattainable

The biggest ever survey of the UK development Industry, released today, shows that approximately three-quarters of the industry – ...

Let's talk Governance

Never before has so much been said by so many on the need to have a robust  corporate governance programme and for the many ...

The Online Copyright Infringement Obligations Code

The Digital Economy Act 2010 ("DEA") was given Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. The DEA contains a number of provisions ...

Taylor Wessing strengthens Banking and Finance offering with the hire of a new partner in Paris

For more information please contact Marina Thomas at Eliott Markus: DDL + 33 1 53 41 89 99Email

European Court rules on unauthorised re-sale of "tester" perfume bottles

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that the supply to a third party of branded "tester" goods ...

Can a lawful product be called a 'Nasty'?

Last week, the Court of Appeal gave a ruling highlighting the risk of using emotive language to describe third party products. ...

Court of Appeal rules that Channel 4 v Fiddes trial will go ahead without jury

The Court of Appeal has today upheld a controversial decision that the high-profile Channel 4 libel trial must go ahead without a ...

Taylor Wessing strengthens real estate finance team with lateral hire from K&L Gates

For more information please contact Sarah Le Cheminant at Taylor Wessing: DDL +44 (0) 20 7300 4930Email

Regulating the rating agencies

The EU is planning its own credit ratings watchdog to provide an alternative to the likes of Moody's and Fitch. Marke Raines ...

The New Vertical Restraints Block Exemption Regulation

The European competition rules which govern agreements between suppliers and distributors are set to change this month (June). ...

Taylor Wessing advises Montefiore Investment and Asmodee Group on acquisition of Esdevium Games

Leading international law firm Taylor Wessing has advised Asmodee Group, the European leader in the distribution of board games ...

Business Interruption Insurance - The "but for" test

Orient-Express Hotels v. Assicurazioni Generali SpA (UK Branch)Commercial Court, 27 May 2010 The case concerned a claim under a ...

Nominet consultation on release of new ".uk" domain names closes 8 June 2010

Nominet, the registry for .uk domain names, is running a public consultation exercise on its plans to lift restrictions on ...

CC takes lead role as FSA hands out record £33m fine to JP Morgan

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has handed out a record £33.32m fine to JP Morgan in the latest sign of a tougher ...

Reforming English libel law: What is in Lord Lester's Bill?

The Coalition Government has pledged to review libel laws to protect freedom of speech. Given this pledge, we are watching with ...

Feeding Growth

Already in use in over sixty countries, feed-in tariffs are a cornerstone of renewable energy policies worldwide. Taylor ...

Taylor Wessing hires Head of Telecoms

For more information please contact Sarah Le Cheminant at Taylor Wessing: DDL +44 (0) 20 7300 4930Email

Property Insurance - Fraudulent Claims and the Burden of Proof

Yeganeh v. Zurich Insurance Co [2010]London Mercantile Court, 24 May 2010This case concerned a claim under a buildings and ...

Advocate General's Opinion on Akzo Nobel/Akcros Chemicals

On 29 April 2010 Advocate General Kokott gave an opinion in relation to an appeal by Akzo Nobel Chemicals Limited and Akcros ...

Hotel chain recovers damages from IT supplier

Judgment has been given in the High Court in the case of Kingsway Hall Hotel Ltd v Red Sky IT (Hounslow) Ltd. The case relates to ...

Increase in minimum share capital requirements for insurance companies in the UAE

The UAE Cabinet has issued Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2009, which came into force on 31 January 2010, increasing the minimum ...

European Commission to remove tax obstacles to cross-border venture capital

The European Commission has been looking at ways to facilitate cross border venture capital ("VC") investment within ...

High Court orders return of £32m stolen from pension funds

The High Court yesterday ordered the return of £32m stolen from pension schemes in the biggest pensions fraud case since Robert ...

Litigation Funding

Cost control and certainty are key elements of successful litigation. The approach to litigation funding is evolving with an ...

Taylor Wessing advises data security specialist Secerno

Taylor Wessing has advised Secerno, a leading provider of data security and control technology, on the sale of its Heterogeneous ...

Trustees and Tax - Impending Changes to the Rate of UK Capital Gains Tax

Following the General Election on 6 May 2010, the United Kingdom has now found itself with the first peacetime Coalition ...

Protecting the Crown Jewels

This article looks at some of the main IP risks associated with outsourcing product development and manufacture, and sets out ...

Pensions Update - May 2010

Welcome to the May issue of "Pensions Pieces", our bi-monthly newsletter. Our aim is to highlight interesting aspects ...

A guide to the Digital Economy Act 2010

On 8 April 2010 the Digital Economy Act 2010 (the "Act") received Royal Assent. The Act covers a wide range of issues ...

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 now open for entries

The National Portrait Gallery has announced the Call for Entries for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010, the ...

Taylor Wessing promotes twelve to international partnership

Taylor Wessing has promoted twelve lawyers to its international partnership. The promotions include two new partners in London, ...

Collective redress: the shape of things to come

Proposals for simplification of collective redress procedures in the financial services industry are almost undoubtedly in store, ...

Restructuring & Corporate Recovery Update - May 2010

Welcome to the May issue of Restructuring & Corporate Recovery update. In this issue we look at: What happens if you fail ...

Taylor Wessing wins award for Workplace Giving scheme

Taylor Wessing, the international law firm, has, for the third year running, won the Gold Government Quality Mark for its ...

Insurance & Reinsurance Update - the "Double-Proviso" follow settlements clause - May 2010

The Commercial Court revisits the test IRB Brasil Resseguros SA v. CX Reinsurance Company LtdCommercial Court, 7 May 2010 Not ...

Clarification on software patents in Europe expected today

Decision in EBA case G3/08 The patentability of software is an issue on which strong views are held on either side of the ...

General Election update - Employment & Pensions issues

Last Thursday's General Election may have a significant impact on a variety of employment and pensions issues for companies here ...

Pharma and social media: an uneasy marriage?

Despite being the fastest growing marketing medium for many industries, social media channels present major legal and regulatory ...

The new UK retail bond market

The first 100 days The London Stock exchange launched its new UK retail bond market on 1st February this year, offering a ...

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme - boon or burden?

Strategic Issues - England and Wales Background Over the last 10 years the way in which energy is generated and used in the UK ...

Flood and Water Management Act 2010: A Trojan Horse?

What is it about? Following the devastating floods in England during the Summer of 2007, the independent review, conducted by ...

Taylor Wessing advises cleantech fund Climate Change Capital Private Equity on €9.1 million investment

Taylor Wessing has advised Climate Change Capital Private Equity (“CPE”), a €200 million fund dedicated to investments in clean ...

Football Fixture Lists: English High Court Rules that Database Copyright Subsists

The English High Court ruled last Friday that database copyright (but not database right) subsists in the fixture lists of the ...

In Memoriam of Dr. Reinhard Bartholomäi

Investors hit back in property battle

Lawyers have questioned whether the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has the authority to cancel building contracts and seize ...

China Alerter April 2010

Milestones: China’s New Law on Tort Liability On December 26, 2009, after several years of preparation the National People’s ...

Finance Update - April 2010

Welcome to the April issue of Finance Update.

Taylor Wessing acts on £48 million MBO of the UK's largest residential lettings agency

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for privately owned property business, RO Group, on the management buy-out of ...

Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update - April 2010

Welcome to the April issue of Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update.

Mid-cap Corporate Finance - The new UK retail bond market

On 1 February 2010 the London Stock Exchange launched a new UK retail bond market with its Electronic Order Book for Retail ...

Corporate Governance Code

In 2007 the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority issued Decision 32/R/2007 concerning a Corporate Governance Code for Joint ...

Taylor Wessing advises Colemont in AmWins merger

Leading law firm Taylor Wessing has acted for international insurance and reinsurance brokerage company Colemont Corporation in ...

Will the tortoise overtake the hare?

What does the future hold for the Hotel Industry in Dubai and the MENA region?

Taylor Wessing advises Google on acquisition of Plink

Law firms welcome class action u-turn

Laurence Lieberman discusses with The Post the potential implications of the governments turnaround on the introduction of class ...

Corporate Update - April 2010: Takeover Code

Takeover code On 19 April 2010, the disclosure requirements under the Takeover code (the "Code") will be extended. ...

What is the Bribery Act and why is it important to you?

The Bribery Act was passed on 8 April 2010. It is of fundamental importance to all commercial organisations that are either ...

Class clash on the bill

In an article published in Money Marketing in April 2010, Laurence Lieberman and Tom Oliver assess the implications of the ...

Taylor Wessing advises IT Process Automation Leader iWave Software on Acquisition of Enigmatec Software Assets

Taylor Wessing has advised long-standing client iWave Software, the leading independent provider of IT Process Automation (Run ...

The significance of Europe's ruling on Google ads and trademarks

The European Court of Justice’s recent ruling in Google v Louis Vuitton Malletier SA has been hailed a major legal victory for ...

Taylor Wessing advises MAG Instrument, Inc. in the acquisition of the German machine builder EUBAMA

InFocus - Life Sciences & Healthcare e-newsletter - April 2010

In the April issue of InFocus we discuss: Corporate venturing in the LSH industry ECJ Advocate General attempts to limit scope ...

Put in place a valid will to avoid legal hassles

Given death’s status as one of life’s few certainties, isn’t it ironic that in the context of Dubai property ownership so much ...

Taylor Wessing's Private Client group short-listed for International Law Firm of the Year 2010

Taylor Wessing's Private Client team have been short listed for the International Law Firm of the Year at the 2010 Citywealth ...

Important Changes to the UK Advertising Regime

The Advertising Standards Authority, the self-regulatory body responsible for governing advertising in the UK, has recently ...

FSA's election manifesto

A new philosophy and 'intensive supervision' for year ahead With its own future seemingly in the hands of the electorate, the ...

Insurance Update - Consumer loan and payment protection insurance - March 2010

Consumers who take out a loan to finance the purchase of goods or services will very often be offered an accompanying policy of ...

Family Office Forum: Conflict in Succession

Your Road Map to Avoid Family Conflict Destroying Family Wealth Breaking News – Two more Family Office speakers confirmed ...

Immigration Rules change from 6 April 2010

The Points-Based System (PBS) was launched two years ago with the aim of providing a transparent and simplified way to ensure ...

M&A spotlight on Europe

We have prepared this note for our North American clients and contacts in order to identify some current trends in European ...

Hurdle Shares - Possible HMRC review

Whilst most commentators have picked up the increase in entrepreneurs' relief in the Budget yesterday, there was also an ...

Does the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme affect you?

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order, the UK-wide mandatory carbon emissions trading scheme, has now been approved by ...

Taylor Wessing's Commercial Challenge tests the trainees of tomorrow

Leading law firm Taylor Wessing LLP is pleased to announce that 'Kings Commercial Advisors' of Kings College London are the ...

ECJ upholds Google AdWords - but leaves door open for brand owner challenges

In a hotly anticipated judgment, the European Court of Justice ("ECJ") yesterday broadly upheld the Google AdWords ...

Taylor Wessing advises on new financing to enhance novel stent technology

The venture capital and life sciences groups at industry leading law firm, Taylor Wessing LLP, have advised new client, Seroba ...

Plea-bargaining: The New Regime

The FSA has been lobbying for some time for statutory powers to use the promise of lesser sentences or, in appropriate cases, ...

Inward Migration

With all the press surrounding the steady flow of UK headed groups out of the UK over the past few years (including WPP and ...

Tentative Steps - A plain legal guidance framework will empower the move to online opportunities

In 2009, pharma first dipped its toe into the uncertain waters of social media. With luck, in 2010 some guidance will emerge from ...

Pensions Update - March 2010

Welcome to the March issue of "Pensions Pieces", our bi-monthly newsletter. Our aim is to highlight interesting aspects ...

Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update - March 2010

Welcome to the March 2010 issue of the Reconstruction and Corporate Recovery update.

Taylor Wessing expands construction group in Dubai with hire of partner Mark Fraser

Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP has announced the appointment of Mark Fraser, who will join the Firm's Dubai office as a Partner ...

Taylor Wessing advises Myotec Therapeutics on £5.6m funding round

Leading law firm Taylor Wessing has advised Myotec Therapeutics Ltd, the Cambridge based speciality pharmaceutical company, on ...

Impact of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme on private equity funds

Are you ready for change? The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is the UK’s new carbon emissions trading scheme that will start ...

FSA publishes final rules relating to premium and standard listing regime

On 26 February 2010, the FSA published the final amendments in connection with its review of the listing rules ("LR") ...

Taylor Wessing advises Deutsche Postbank on £80m Clapham redevelopment scheme

Taylor Wessing LLP has advised long standing client Deutsche Postbank AG on the provision of development finance to Cathedral ...

UK Media Law - the future?

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK Parliament issued its Report on Press standards, privacy and libel on 24 ...

Residence Rules: "Gaines – Cooper" and Revenue Guidance

In Gaines-Cooper, the Court of Appeal considered the position of individuals who limit their time in the UK to 90 days or less ...

Opening up the UK Bond Market to Retail Investors

A new UK retail bond market will launch on 1 February 2010. On that day the London Stock Exchange (LSE) will open an electronic ...

£65m funding raised by leading pharma company Archimedes

A team of private equity, employment and tax lawyers from Taylor Wessing has advised the management of the speciality pharma ...

Finance Update - March 2010

Welcome to the March 2010 issue of Finance Update.

EU Privacy Update - EU Standard clauses for transfer of personal data to non-EU data processors replaced

The EU privacy rules place restrictions on the ability of organisations to send personal data out of Europe. The European Union ...

China Alerter March 2010

Updating China's trademark laws: Recent draft amendments and possible impact on right holders Chinese intellectual property laws ...

FSA’s fine means Lehman cases are on the cards

Last Thursday, the FSA fined RSM Tenon Financial Services £700,000 for failings in its advice and sales processes relating to ...

Validity of Guarantees

IssueCan a tenant's guarantor remain liable after a (post 1995) lease is assigned, if he agrees to stand as guarantor for the ...

International asset freezing: the US and UK perspectives

This article examines the remedies available from the US and UK courts to prevent the dissipation of funds pending the ...

Firms need new ways to raise cash

It has not been good news of late for UK IPOs. First the US travel group Travelport pulled its £1.2bn London flotation after ...

Taylor Wessing advises esure insurance on its buyout from Lloyds

Taylor Wessing LLP has advised leading online motor insurance provider esure on its management buyout from Lloyds Banking Group, ...

Stalemate continues at Discovery Gardens

Has the time come to make a judgement call on the ongoing dispute related to service fees in Discovery Gardens between the ...

Green Giants - The Sustainability Issue

Bullying Policy

Allegations of workplace bullying have recently hit the headlines (again). To what extent is this issue of concern for employers, ...

An Interactive Hotels Guide to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

If you are confused by the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme and what it means to you, you are not ...

China targets the West

Overcoming the obstacles to outbound investment

Revisiting Your Space

Maximising returns on your properties during the downturn

Public Law Update - February 2010

This update provides an overview of two recent key legal developments relating to the public sector. Firstly, the ECJ has now ...

Construction Disputes - Litigation Costs

Following an extensive review of civil litigation costs last year, Lord Justice Jackson's final report on costs has been ...

Product placement is unbanned, well almost - with exceptions

The UK government has formally reversed its previously announced ban and will join the rest of the EU (other than Denmark) and ...

Taylor Wessing strengthens Real Estate offering with the hire of Planning expert from CMS Cameron McKenna

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has announced the appointment of Alistair Watson. Alistair will join the Firm on 22 February ...

Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update - February 2010

Welcome to the February 2010 issue of Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update. In the February 2010 issue of ...

”Vorsprung durch Technik“: Taylor Wessing wins case for Audi before European Court of Justice

”Vorsprung durch Technik“: Taylor Wessing wins case for Audi before European Court of Justice Taylor Wessing has gained full ...

Finance Update - February 2010

Welcome to the February 2010 issue of Finance Update. This month, we look at: Real Estate FinanceThe CRC Energy Efficiency ...

Government of Dubia/Dubai DOF Sukuk Limited - Termsheet

Osama Hassan and Hasan Rizvi of Taylor Wessing (Middle East) answer questions about the Islamic structure used in the transaction ...

BSkyB v EDS

"Shockwaves through the outsourcing and technology services sector?" Judgment was given in the High Court on 26 ...

Business Immigration Review of 2009

2009 was another busy year for businesses employing non-EU citizens, as the UK Border Agency (UKBA) frantically issued a stream ...

Legal Business Awards - Taylor Wessing shortlisted for Private Client Team of the Year 2010

Climate change and the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme - A commercial reality

The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC), which enters into force in April 2010, will introduce a new ...

Generic Substitution - UK Department of Health Consultation

The UK government announced plans to introduce generic substitution in the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS) 2009. On ...

CFC Proposed Reforms - impact on IP Rich Groups

On 26 January 2010, the Government published a Discussion Document outlining its current thinking on the reform of the United ...

China Alerter February 2010

Stricter Supervision of Foreign Representative Offices in ChinaOn January 4, 2010, the State Administration of Industry and ...

The London Stock Exchange's new retail bond market – reshaping corporate finance?

On Monday 1 February, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) launched its long-awaited Electronic Order Book for Retail Bonds (ORB). In ...

Taylor Wessing creates new group head role to bolster India practice

Budget 2010: Update - Pre-Budget Report

On 9 December, Alistair Darling set out the Government's financial plans for next year's budget in his Pre-Budget Report ...

Shockwaves through the outsourcing and technology services sector?

Judgment was given in the High Court on 26 January 2010 in the long running case between BSkyB and EDS. The Times reported some ...

Taylor Wessing advises Panasonic Electric Works Group in the restructuring of their European sales organization

The Panasonic Electric Works Group optimizes its European sales organization in order to expand its market share in the European ...

Laying down safety law in the UAE

Stakeholders in the UAE construction industry face challenges in ensuring compliance with the country’s health and safety ...

Death of the Privacy Superinjunction?

LNS v Persons Unknown [2010] EWHC 119 (QB) Court refuses to grant celebrity a "superinjunction" to prevent the media ...

Taylor Wessing advises email management company Mimecast on £13 million investment funding

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has advised Mimecast, a holistic email management company, on its £13 million ($21 million) ...

The Ability Group successfully acquires Hilton Liverpool Hotel

The Hotels Group at Taylor Wessing has successfully advised The Ability Group on the multi-million pound acquisition of the ...

Employing Good Sense

Maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date employee records is not only good business practice but can also be vital should a ...

Taylor Wessing advises Carbon Trust Investments Limited on its investment in tidal energy company Marine Current Turbines

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for Carbon Trust Investments Limited for the first time.  The work related to ...

InFocus - Life Sciences & Healthcare e-newsletter - January 2010

Remedies in Procurements - the new Regime

On 20 December 2009 a new regime for remedies in procurements came into force. These are the Public Contracts (Amendment) ...

Taylor Wessing advises JHP Group on £56 million buy-out by Lloyds Development Capital

Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for JHP Group (JHP), one of the UK’s largest private sector providers of vocational education, ...

UK Government Consultation proposes to slash Conditional Fee Agreement Success Fees by 90%

Hot on the heels of Jackson’s LJ's "Review on Civil Litigation Costs", which was published last week, the Ministry of ...

Litigation Costs - Lord Justice Jackson proposes sweeping reforms

Following an extensive review of civil litigation costs last year, Lord Justice Jackson's final report on costs has been ...

Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update - January 2010

In the January 2010 issue of Reconstruction & Corporate Recovery Update we discuss:

The Geography of Cleantech Ventures

Charles Fletcher examines the current market and growth in cleantech investments and financing environments in Europe, the UK, ...

Award winners: Taylor Wessing named law firm of the year for Succession Private Wealth Trusts

Taylor Wessing advises cleantech venture capital firm WHEB Ventures on two new European investments

European law firm Taylor Wessing LLP has acted for cleantech venture capital firm WHEB Ventures on its recent multi-million pound ...

Corporate Venturing, an overview by Taylor Wessing

Politicians, commentators and analysts agree that innovation, especially in sectors such as clean technology, will be of crucial ...

Hobson's Choice - Lord Justice Jackson's Review of Civil Litigation Costs

Lord Justice Jackson's Review of Civil Litigation Costs in the UK has been published today (14 January 2010).  The report ...

Pensions Update - January 2010

Welcome to the first edition of ''Pensions Pieces'', our bi-monthly newsletter.Our aim is to highlight some interesting aspects ...

Finance Update - January 2010

Welcome to the January update.

China Alerter January 2010

New Rules on Chinese Overseas InvestmentWith the growth of the Chinese economy as well as China’s “going abroad” strategy, ...

eDarling: Taylor Wessing advises new European online dating agency

Throughout the last months Taylor Wessing supported new online matchmaker eDarling in the legal issues involved in its launch. ...

Taylor Wessing Insurance and Reinsurance Review of 2009

The insurance team at Taylor Wessing is pleased to announce the Insurance and Reinsurance Review of 2009, summarising the key ...

Venture Capital Update - Foreign-Invested Partnership

Foreign-Invested Partnership: Availability of new investment vehicle brings good news for Foreign Private Equity and Venture ...

Private Client Partner Andrew Goodman named in The Lawyer's 'Hot 100' for 2010

Taylor Wessing's Private Client practice has started 2010 on a high, with the inclusion of partner Andrew Goodman in The Lawyer's ...

Venture Capital Handbook

A guide to venture capital in the UK for 2010