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Supply chain sustainability: new rules, new risks
On 25 July 2024, the EU's new flagship supply chain law, the Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), came into force.
Read moreAcceptable levels of consumer harm – the FCA seek guidance in balancing risk with reward
The chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Nikhil Rathi, has called for the UK government to define an 'acceptable level of consumer harm' in response to the government's demand for reduced regulations.
Read moreRPC Bites #63: Aldi Kefir - copycat or collab? No more carbon credits for Brewdog and a rollercoaster for Carlsberg's portfolio
Welcome back to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of the 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.
Read moreRPC Bites #62: misleading 'freshly baked bread' claims, trademark troubles for Campari and McDonalds and more
Welcome back to RPC Bites. Our aim in the next 2 minutes is to provide you with a flavour of the 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.
Read moreGinfringement: Success for M&S in the Court of Appeal in registered design spat with Aldi
M&S and Aldi's gin bottle battle over design rights has reached a conclusion (for now) as the Court of Appeal has unanimously upheld the IPEC's decision that Aldi's bottle infringed M&S' design.
Read moreClear as gin: M&S and Aldi take liquor bottle battle to the Court of Appeal
Intellectual property enthusiasts' favourite supermarket adversaries were back at loggerheads this week as M&S and Aldi appear before the Court of Appeal. The pair sought to thrash out a first instance decision handed down in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) regarding alleged infringement of M&S' registered design rights in a gin bottle.
Read moreM&S v Aldi – lookalike claims lit up by design rights
As lookalike products rise in prominence, the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court's (IPEC) recent ruling that the sale and advertisement of Aldi's 'Infusionist' range of favoured gins infringed M&S's UK registered designs protecting the light-up bottles containing its 'Snow Globe' gin range (Marks and Spencer PLC v Aldi Stores Limited [2023] EWHC 178) highlights the utility of registered design rights in circumstances where other intellectual property rights (IPR) are often less able to provide protection.
Read moreThe Food, Beverage and Cosmetics Law Review: United Kingdom - Second Edition
RPC is excited to announce that the Second Edition UK chapter of the Food, Beverage and Cosmetics Law Review has been published and is available to download.
Read moreLookalikes and passing off—bottle design get-up claim (Au Vodka)
Currently there's significant activity in the lookalikes space. The Au Vodka claim (Au Vodka v NE10 Vodka [2022] EWHC 2371), which focuses on bottle design 'get-up', arrived in the courts for an interim injunction hearing in September 2022. Au Vodka's application was dismissed. The judgment shows that passing off—get-up claims based on shape can be challenging to bring, particularly at the interim stage, and prompts the question of whether it's possible to bring Cofemel and copyright into the lookalikes arena.
Read moreCBD products no longer ex-hemp from regulation
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?
Read moreRPC Bites #13
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!
Read moreRPC Bites #12
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!
Read more'Nosecco' is a no-no, says the High Court
In recent years, health and wellbeing has been big business in the UK. The COVID-19 outbreak has only further stoked the desire to obtain and maintain healthy minds and bodies and the trend looks set to continue, across the retail sector.
Read moreRPC Bites #11
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!
Read moreBeware the desire to "make hay while the sun shines" – the ASA warns marketers to "think very carefully" before making COVID-19 claims
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.
Read moreRPC Bites #10
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.
Read moreThe ASA bites back – Burger King 'Rebel Whopper' ads ruled to be misleading and in breach of advertising rules
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.
Read moreFood & Beverage
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Read moreRegulatory Radar: quick takes May 2025
Welcome to the latest edition of our bi-monthly Regulatory Radar: quick takes update, which collates the latest developments from across the UK’s regulators.
Read more6 April 2025 - date confirmed for UK consumer protection law regime overhaul
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) is set to substantially overhaul the UK's consumer protection law and enforcement regime. We now know the date that key consumer protection and enforcement changes will come into force: 6 April 2025.
Read moreThe EU Compliance headache you don't know you have? A priority primer on the European Accessibility Act
It is now less than a year until the EU Accessibility Act (EAA) comes into force, which will require businesses to ensure a range of products (eg smartphones and computers) and services (eg e-commerce services, consumer banking services, and ebooks) are accessible for persons with disabilities.
Read moreSeeing the wood for the trees: preparing for new deforestation due diligence rules in the UK and EU
Read moreGoing Green – staying on the right side of competition law
Environmental issues are high on the agenda for many consumers and businesses alike. They are also increasingly an area of focus for competition authorities around the world, including the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), who are keen to ensure that competition law concerns do not unnecessarily prevent businesses from collaborating legitimately on environmental sustainability initiatives.
Read moreLawyers Covered - July 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - June 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - May 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - April 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered: March 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - February 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our February 2025 edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreLawyers Covered - January 2025
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to our January 2025 bumper edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreThe FCA reveals its new strategy for supervision of wholesale brokers
On 24 January 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a portfolio letter setting out their new strategy for supervising wholesale brokers.
Read moreAn update to the FCA's "polluter pays" framework – accountability for harm caused to consumers.
The Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA) has issued updated guidance on its "polluter pays" framework. In an update published on 14 January 2025, the FCA provided further information on the framework, which could lead to firms compensating consumers when they provide poor advice, products or services.
Read moreOmbudsman decision – clarifying liability where there are delays in the pension administration process
When delays occur in pension transfers, the implications for members can be significant—but how far does a provider’s responsibility extend? A recent determination by the Pensions Ombudsman in the case of Mr R offers important clarification. Whilst the Ombudsman recognised some administrative shortcomings, the decision reaffirmed that providers are not liable for all financial consequences arising from delays, particularly when those consequences result from a member’s own actions.
Read moreLawyers Covered - December 2024
What could be more festive than our December edition of Lawyers Covered – so here it is, a gift from the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group at RPC, to all of you, our lovely readers! And it’s a bumper edition with links to 3 full articles as well as our usual snippets. Happy holidays!
Read moreLawyers Covered - November 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the November edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreFCA reveals crypto regulation roadmap as ownership continues to surge.
With public ownership and awareness of crypto on the rise, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announces its roadmap to making crypto a fully regulated asset class by 2026.
Read moreCity Minister supports imposition of FOS case fees for CMCs
In what may well be welcome news for the industry, the new City Minister has supported the FOS' proposals to charge case management companies (CMCs) a £250 fee for referring complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The hope is that this prevent FOS being overwhelmed with 'poorly evidenced' complaints.
Read moreFCA provides guidance for Lifetime Mortgage Providers
The FCA has set out its key concerns and priorities for lifetime mortgage providers ("LMPs") in a Dear CEO letter. The concerns and priorities of the FCA highlighted in the letter will be of interest to those in the LMP market and their FI insurers.
Read moreVehicle Finance claims drive forward with a key Court of Appeal Judgment – but what are the implications?
A Court of Appeal judgment exploring the payment of commissions in the vehicle finance industry has been handed down by the Court of Appeal, finding in favour of the claimants and ordering repayment of the commission plus interest to the claimants. This decision comes amid the backdrop of the hotly discussed FCA investigation into vehicle finance complaints involving discretionary commission arrangements ("DCA") and a number of complaints sat at FOS and before the County Courts. We explore the key takeaways from the judgment.
Read moreLawyers Covered - October 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the October edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreCall of duty - FCA takes on Premium Finance
The FCA has published a market study inviting discussion on premium finance. At the same time, the Government has announced a plan to assemble a new cross-government taskforce on motor insurance. This will focus on ensuring customers are being treated fairly (both by being offered affordable premiums and an appropriate level of cover) and equally (regardless of demographics, geographies and communities).
Read more(Blue)crest of a wave – case law on the need for a legal liability under a single firm redress scheme
In a decision that will cause consternation for FCA regulated entities and their insurers alike, the Court of Appeal (COA) has overturned the Upper Tribunal (UT's) decision in The Financial Conduct Authority v Bluecrest Capital Management (UK) LLP. The UT's decision had reinforced the need for a legal liability to be established before redress was payable under a single-firm redress scheme. The COA has comprehensively overturned the UT's ruling, casting the position into doubt. Given the increased need for firms to consider whether foreseeable harm has been suffered (and to look to rectify things if it has) following the introduction of the Consumer Duty, this could have far reaching consequences.
Read moreLitigation funder's ATE policy was not sufficient to avoid security for costs order
In Asertis v Lewis Barry Bloch [2024] EWHC 2393 (Ch), a litigation funder has been ordered to pay security for costs into court due to concerns it would not be able to meet an adverse costs order, and that its After-The-Event insurance policy would not meet such an order.
Read moreFCA portfolio letter highlights FCA priorities for the next 2 years for the financial advice sector
Yesterday the FCA issued a portfolio letter outlining its priorities for the next 2 years for the finance advice and investment intermediary market. Those priorities are - reduce and prevent serious harm, monitor and test higher industry standards under the consumer duty and enable more consumers to pursue their financial objectives through the advice guidance boundary review. Highlights include (1) retirement income advice, ongoing advice services and "polluter pays" are specifically referred to when it comes to reducing and preventing serious harm and (2) continued focus on the expectations around the consumer duty. The letter also confirms that we can expect a further update from the FCA on its review of the retirement income advice market in the first quarter of 2025 and an update on ongoing advice services later this year – we wait to see if this means the FCA puts pressure on firms in relation to any regulatory exercises.
Read moreUpcoming changes financial professionals need to be aware of
There are changes in the air which will affect accountants, financial advisers and other professionals in the financial services industry, and the advice they provide. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a consultation on a new regulatory regime for retail investors. At the same time, the government is planning a crackdown on tax avoidance.
Read moreLawyers Covered - September 2024
It can be tough for busy lawyers to find enough time to service clients, make it safely through the regulation obstacle course, win new work and keep up-to-date with developments, but we've got you covered! Welcome to the August edition of our Lawyers Liability & Regulatory Update, in which we highlight the last month's key developments affecting lawyers and the professional risks they face.
Read moreTPR issues compliance and enforcement policy for pensions dashboard
On 5 September 2024, the Pensions Regulator (TPR) introduced its new compliance and enforcement policy for the pensions dashboard. Accompanying this announcement was a blog post titled "Act now on pensions dashboards so we don’t have to", which serves as a reminder about the importance of timely compliance.
Read moreThe Price and Value Outcome – the FCA publishes its year one insights
The Consumer Duty was introduced at the end of July 2023 and has applied to closed products from the end of July 2024. One of the cornerstones of the Consumer Duty is the price and value outcome. The FCA defines the price and value outcome as a requirement on firms to make sure the price customers pay is reasonable compared to the benefits they receive. The FCA has published its insights from the first year on the implementation of the outcome and its supervisory activity in relation to cash savings, guaranteed asset protection (or GAP insurance) and platform cash.
Read moreLitigation funder wins nearly £1m in D&O claim
Manolete Partners Plc, an insolvency litigation finance company, has successfully claimed against the former director of Just Recruit Group Ltd (Just Recruit) and awarded £918,590. The Insolvency and Companies Court of the High Court found that the director of Just Recruit, Norman Freed, had breached his directorial duties to the Company during the business's financial collapse.
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