Skip to main content

Search results

904 results ordered by

Thinking - Blog

Clear as gin: M&S and Aldi take liquor bottle battle to the Court of Appeal

Published on 26 Jan 2024. By Rory Graham, Associate and Georgia Davis, Of Counsel

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 more
Press and Media

'All is not lost' as IMF predicts impact of AI on jobs

Published on 15 Jan 2024. By Patrick Brodie, Partner

AI technology will create new roles and opportunities, with higher value placed on human emotional intelligence in the workplace, says international law firm RPC

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Ofcom's 'Roadmap to Regulation' underway with its consultation on illegal harms duties under the Online Safety Act

Published on 12 Jan 2024.

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.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #100: Earps' SPOTY win and shirt sell out, smart ball company raises US$15m, and Unilever sponsors UEFA – a speed read of commercial updates

Published on 21 Dec 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Mary Earps win the Sports Personality of the Year 2023, FIFA receive three Women's World Cup 2027 bids, and Endeavor invest in Chess.com, we bring you updates on the first Lioness to trade mark her name, the ground-breaking Guinness Six Nations sponsorship, and a multi-year broadcasting deal between TNT and Formula E.

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA publishes final report on Intermediary and Platform Principles Pilot

Published on 13 Dec 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

How have the main digital platforms responded to the ASA’s year long Intermediary and Platform Principles Pilot initiative (the IPP)?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Snapshots Winter 2023

Published on 12 Dec 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #99: Golf's big hitters, Women's FA breakaway and tennis elite tour – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 08 Dec 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the Premier League agree a new £6.7 billion deal with Sky and TNT Sports, France named the preferred candidate for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and 518 million people watch the ICC Cricket World Cup live through Disney Star, we bring you updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold's £26 million Adidas deal, new rules for golf balls, and a potential F1-style tennis tour.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #98: Sports Business Awards 2023, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the brands changing the world through sport

Published on 24 Nov 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Manchester City post record revenue and profits, Everton receive a points deduction relating to P&S issues, and the League of Legends World Championship become the most watched esports tournament, we bring you updates on the Sports Business Awards 2023, Las Vegas Grand Prix and Kansas City Chiefs' new relationship (no, not that one…).

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #97: Esports World Cup 2024, the increasing value of women's sports and European Super league

Published on 10 Nov 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw DAZN secure exclusive F1 rights in Spain until 2026, Jude Bellingham become the first England player to win the Kopa Trophy for best performing under-21 player in the world, and FIFA ban Luis Rubiales for three years from all football activity, we bring you updates on Saudi Arabia's new Esports World Cup, planned increases in investment in women's sports and the marketing value of influencer athletes.

Read more
Press and Media

The Times recognises RPC among Best Law Firms 2024

Published on 30 Oct 2023.

International law firm, RPC, has been recognised by The Times in its Best Law Firms 2024 report, an annual ranking of the top 250 law firms in England and Wales.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #96: Russia's Olympic suspension, FIFA's five time zones and 2023's most marketable athlete – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 26 Oct 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the first female referee of a men's international match at Wembley, Saudi Arabia launch its World Cup 2034 bid and NZ's All Blacks named the world's most valuable rugby team, we bring you updates on the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, the return of UK professional netball and the potential five time zones of the FIFA World Cup 2023.

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

The ASA’s “Active Ad Monitoring” AI tool: nowhere to hide for green claims

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What does the ASA’s targeting of its AI monitoring and targeting tool at green claims mean for businesses interested in spotlighting the role they play in the environment?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

New advertising laws to tackle illegal ads and protect children online

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What measures are the Government planning to implement to protect consumers, specifically children, from illegal adverts online?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA updates guidance on misleading environmental claims

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What additions have been made to the guidance on misleading environmental claims issued by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and what additional factors should businesses be taking into account now when considering green marketing campaigns? And are the rules beginning to push businesses into “greenhushing” for fear of greenwashing?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Snapshots Autumn 2023

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #95: female F1 test-driver, blockchain in cricket and Berlin marathon disruption – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 11 Oct 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw a delay in the implementation of the National Football Agent Regulations in England pending the resolution of private arbitral proceedings, and the release of the Beckham documentary on Netflix, we bring you updates on the first female F1 test driver in 5 years and disruption to the Berlin marathon by climate protestors. We also cover the Rugby World Cup's potential new pay wall, the use of blockchain in cricket and, of course, the sale of Travis Kelce's American Football jerseys rocketing 400% thanks to Taylor Swift.

Read more
Press and Media

FCA rules could trigger 'marked drop' in finfluencers marketing crypto

Published on 09 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and Hettie Homewood , Senior Associate

Regulator clamping down over concerns consumers are being 'influenced into high risk investments without understanding consequences'

Read more
Thinking - Blog

Criminal Liability for Senior Managers under the Online Safety Act

Published on 05 Oct 2023.

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.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

The FCA sets expectations ahead of incoming cryptoasset marketing rules

Published on 28 Sep 2023. By Kerone Thomas, Associate and Faheem Pervez, Associate

The FCA has issued a "final warning" to firms promoting cryptoassets to UK consumers to prepare for the cryptoassets financial promotion regime. Effective from 8 October 2023, this regime aims to protect consumers from promotions that make exaggerated claims about the benefits in investing in cryptoassets.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker #94: World Rugby fantasy league game, all-green PGA and PSG to open first UK store – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 26 Sep 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Oscar Piastri celebrate the extension of his McLaren contract until the end of 2026 with a podium finish in Japan, and Mary Earps be awarded England Women's Player of the Year, we bring you updates on World Rugby's new fantasy league game and BMW PGA's commitment to be the first sports TV production to be powered entirely by green hydrogen. We also cover Unity Engine's proposal to introduce fees to game developers and the La Liga shirt sponsorship of Clwb Pel Droed Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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

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.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker: Farrell red card reversal revoked and Earps shirts hit the shelves – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 13 Sep 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the football transfer window slam shut and the start of the Rugby World Cup, we bring you updates on QSI's agreement to acquire the World Padel Tour and the re-instatement of the decision to give a red card to Owen Farrell, ruling him out of England's first two matches. We also feature stories on Mary Earps' shirt finally being made available for sale and England women's cricket team having their match fees increased to equal those of the men's team.

Read more
Event

Lorem Ipsum

07 Sep 2023

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque tempus dictum luctus. Nullam non congue purus. Etiam rhoncus vulputate pulvinar. Etiam faucibus nisl ipsum, ut egestas diam placerat sed.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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 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).

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker: Microsoft warns of cyber risks at sports events and ESPN enters sports gambling market – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 24 Aug 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the Lionesses suffer a gut-wrenching defeat in the World Cup Final and the start of the World Athletics Championships, we bring you updates on Microsoft issuing a warning on the risk of cyberattacks at sports events and ESPN entering the sports gambling market. We also feature stories on La Liga making an official complaint about Qatar's funding of PSG and Barcelona's new content creation website.

Read more
Press and Media

Value of NFT fraud plummets 82% in UK

Published on 18 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Senior Associate

The value of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) fraud in the UK has dropped 82% over the last year as the collapse in prices and lower trading volumes make these digital assets less attractive to fraudsters, reveals new data from international law firm RPC.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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 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.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker: Women's World Cup smashes records, Paris Olympics share carbon commitments, and FIFA wins case against football agents – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 11 Aug 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw England advance to the quarter-finals in the Women's Football World Cup and the start of the Cycling World Championships in Glasgow, we bring you updates on the Women's Football World Cup smashing TV viewing figure records and the Paris Olympic Committee's carbon cutting commitments. We also feature stories on Manchester United's new deal with Adidas, Juventus' disqualification from the Europa League and the media rights for snow sports being centralised for the next 8 years.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker: Commonwealth Games thrown into doubt, Al-Hilal bid for Mbappe and Pepsi partners with EA Sports FC – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Jul 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the FIFA Women's World Cup kick off, Ben Harman cruise to victory in The Open and England's attempted comeback in the Men's Ashes fall painfully short, we bring you updates on the uncertainty surrounding the Commonwealth Games and the world record bid for Mbappe. We also feature stories on a mooted women's Champions League in cricket and a new partnership between Pepsi and EA Sports FC.

Read more
Thinking - Blog

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 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.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

Sports Ticker: F1 Alpine secures funding and sports tech VC investment shows signs of a bounceback – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner, Head of Commercial and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the men's England U21s football team triumph in the Euros and the start of Wimbledon, we bring you updates on Caster Semenya's victory in the European Court of Human Rights, and investments in F1 and the sports tech sector. We also feature stories on a record-breaking start to the Women's Ashes and the Tour de France starting to incorporate ChatGPT.

Read more
Thinking - Publication

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.

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Snapshots Summer 2023

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner and David Cran, Partner, Head of IP & Tech

A roundup of key legal developments for the modern commercial lawyer.

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA guidance on “Carbon Neutral” and “Net Zero” as part of a greenwashing crackdown

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What does CAP’s updated advertising guidance mean for businesses who wish to use green claims in marketing materials?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA slams KSI and JD Sports for omitting #ad in online post

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What if a social media post is clearly a piece of marketing? Do you still need to prominently label it with #ad?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

OFCOM consultation on advertising “less healthy” food and drink products

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

How are new restrictions on the advertising of less healthy food and drink products under the Health and Care Act 2022 (HCA 2022) likely to be implemented?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA upholds ban on BetVictor ad featuring football stars with “strong appeal” to under 18s

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What are the rules on including sports stars with strong appeal to under 18-year-olds in gaming and lottery ads?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Avoiding a subscription trap: CAP issues enforcement notice on online ads for subscription services

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What do traders need to do to ensure online ads for free trials or promotions to subscription services comply with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code)?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

CMA and CAP issue stronger joint guidance on influencer marketing

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What can we learn from the new edition of the joint CAP and CMA “Influencers guide to making clear that ads are ads”?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

CMA open letter to businesses on urgency and price reduction claims

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What are urgency and price reduction claims and when will they breach consumer protection laws?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Lufthansa ad campaign to protect the environment fails to fly with the ASA

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

Can an airline claim to be protecting the environment?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

Social media influencer criticised by ASA for not clearly identifying a TikTok video as a marketing communication

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What should social media influencers include in their TikTok content to ensure they are obviously identifiable as marketing communications?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

New legislation proposed to bring FCA regulation to cryptoasset promotions

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What will the Government’s new legislation mean for the promotion of cryptoassets?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA ends Etihad Airways’ “sustainable aviation” campaign

Published on 06 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

What went wrong with Etihad’s claim about their commitment to “sustainable aviation” and why did the ASA hold it in breach of the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code)?

Read more
Thinking - Snapshot

ASA rules against use of filters to promote beauty products

Published on 06 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner

How careful should advertisers and influencers be when using in-app filters for beauty products? And is “#myownbrand” helpful from an advertising disclosure perspective for an influencer’s own products?

Read more
Thinking - Video

The Unified Patent Court – Are the benefits of national courts being forgotten amidst the excitement of the UPC opening?

Published on 03 Jul 2023. By Matthew Jones, Partner

Patent Litigation Partner Matthew Jones is joined by Sarah Breckenridge, Investment Manager at Erso Capital to discuss the recent excitement surrounding the opening of the Unified Patent Court.

Read more

Stay connected and subscribe to our latest insights and views 

Subscribe Here