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Regulatory Radar: quick takes May 2025

Published on 12 May 2025. By Gavin Reese, Partner, Head of Regulatory

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.

Sports Ticker (27 April 2023) – PL gambling sponsor ban, WWE x UFC merger and Schumacher's AI interview – a speed-read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate

In a fortnight which saw Corach Rambler win the Grand National, the UK & Ireland submit its bid to host the UEFA Euro 2028 men's tournament, and 48,000 runners take to the streets for the London Marathon, we bring you updates on Spotify's new integration with Strava and Team GB's collaboration with Birds Eye. We also feature stories on a controversial AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher and our own Kate O'Malley's sub-three hour marathon success.

What To Know About AI Fraudsters Before Facing Disputes

Published on 29 Aug 2023. By Dan Wyatt, Partner and Christopher Whitehouse, Of Counsel

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.

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.

Banking and Financial Markets Litigation Update - Summer 2024

Published on 29 Jul 2024. By Carolin Ayres, Senior Associate and Jonathan Cary, Partner and Jessica Davies, Senior Associate and Jake Hardy, Partner and Simon Hart, Partner, Financial Services Sector Lead and Charlotte Henschen (née Ducker), Partner, Professional Practices Sector Lead and Tom Hibbert, Partner and Tim Potts, Senior Associate and Chris Ross, Partner and Christopher Wheatley , Knowledge Lawyer

This summer 2024 update is brought to you by RPC’s top tier banking and financial markets disputes practice in London, with specialists in all areas of financial markets litigation (and arbitration) and a wealth of expertise including frequent involvement in the most complex, high-value, and high-profile disputes in the sphere. Here, we take a look at some of the most important judgments in recent months.

The Role of AI in Disputes

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Joshy Thomas, Senior Knowledge Lawyer

While lawyers have had various forms of AI available to them for years, it is generative AI and the development of large language models (LLMs) which is likely to represent a fundamental shift for dispute resolution. This technology now offers language capabilities that have never been seen before, and is likely to transform the way lawyers conduct proceedings.

The High Court continues interim anti-harassment injunction

Published on 24 Jul 2024.

At a return date hearing on 12 July 2024, Aidan Eardley KC (sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge) continued until trial or further order an anti-harassment injunction granted to prevent the Defendant from, amongst other things, approaching or contacting the Claimant.

The Supreme Court clarifies the law on the recovery of damages for non-pecuniary damage arising out of a maliciously false statement

Published on 18 Jul 2024.

The Claimant was an employee of the second defendant, LCA, a recruitment agency owned and operated by the first defendant. After leaving LCA, the Claimant was employed by another recruitment agency and began targeting LCA's clients. LCA's owner told two third parties, one of whom was the Claimant’s new line manager and the other a client of LCA, that by doing this the Claimant was in breach of her contract of employment with LCA. In fact, there was no term of that contract (as the owner of LCA knew) which prohibited the claimant from soliciting business from LCA’s clients.

The Model Anti-SLAPP Law: an overview

Published on 25 Nov 2022. By Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate

Following the Government's response to the SLAPP consultation in the summer, the UK Anti-SLAPP coalition (a working group that includes English PEN, the Foreign Policy Centre and Index on Censorship, "the Coalition") has this week published a model Anti-SLAPP law, which has been endorsed by a collection of free speech and anti-corruption organisations, journalists, editors and lawyers.

Media & Content Disputes

Our market-leading media and content disputes team is the largest and most experienced media defence team in the UK.

Penalty saved by CAS with a little help from English Courts

Published on 06 Jun 2016. By Joshua Charalambous, Partner

All is not (necessarily) lost: Crypto crime recovery

Published on 30 Jun 2022. By Adam Craggs, Partner and Head of Tax, Investigations and Financial Crime

With over 2 million people in the UK now holding and using cryptocurrency, and the Chancellor announcing that a government backed non-fungible token ("NFT") is to be issued by the Royal Mint this summer, the market for crypto-assets is expected to continue to grow in the coming months and years; so much so that legislation is planned to implement a new regulatory regime for the crypto market.

Improving transparency: new rules on public access to documents in proceedings

Published on 31 Oct 2025. By Daniel Hemming, Partner and Nadia Asfour , Associate

From 1 January 2026, new rules will come into force in the Commercial Court, London Circuit Commercial Court and Financial List with the aim of improving public access to documents in civil proceedings. The new rules will require legal representatives to add various categories of documents referred to at public hearings to the Court's electronic file, meaning they will be, by default, available to the public. The new rules are governed by Practice Direction 51ZH and are part of a 2-year pilot scheme aimed at improving transparency and open justice in the civil courts.

Judicial guidance on time limits for challenges to post-arbitral awards

Published on 27 Oct 2025. By Karina Plain, Senior Associate and Kirtan Prasad, Of Counsel

The question of whether challenges brought under section 72(1) of the Arbitration Act 1996 (the AA) can be made post-award has been a source of judicial and academic debate.

Allegations of arbitrator bias fall flat in the recent case of V and N v K

Published on 12 Sep 2025. By Jessica Davies, Senior Associate and Shai Wade, Partner, Head of International Arbitration

In the recent case of V and N v K[1] the High Court confirmed the high threshold required for establishing arbitrator bias and considered the extent of an arbitrator's duty to disclose previous appointments in arbitrations under the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Rules. The judgment provides a useful review of the principles and serves as a reminder for parties to ensure that any challenges to arbitrator independence are properly particularised, considering the relevant practice for arbitrator appointment in the relevant field.

Down and (finally) out: The Privy Council confirms the end of the Shareholder Rule exception to privilege

Published on 26 Aug 2025. By Adam Forster, Partner and Hazel Meikle-Downing, Associate

The Privy Council has resolutely confirmed the end of the "Shareholder Rule" exception to legal professional privilege – a decision that may have a significant impact on shareholder claims in the English courts going forward.

RPC traces the trends for LIDW25

Published on 30 Jun 2025. By Jonathan Cary, Partner

With London International Disputes Week 2025 now wrapped up, we are reflecting on what it might tell us about the evolution of the disputes landscape.

Court of Appeal decision allows litigation funders to be paid first in collective proceedings

Published on 13 May 2025. By Zoe Mernick-Levene, Partner

Generative Artificial Intelligence Risks for Litigation Lawyers

Published on 09 Jun 2025. By Nick Bird, Partner and Cheryl Laird, Senior Associate

In R (on the application of Frederick Ayinde) v The London Borough of Haringey AC-2024-LON-003062 the President of the King's Bench Division (Dame Victoria Sharpe) and Mr Justice Johnson gave judgment in two referrals that had been made under the Hamid jurisdiction. That jurisdiction is the court's inherent jurisdiction to regulate its own procedures and enforce the obligations that lawyers owe to it.

AI in auditing: Embracing a new age for the profession

Published on 08 Jul 2024.

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

Thaler v Comptroller [2023] UKSC 49: the UKSC rules that AI cannot be an 'inventor'

Published on 10 Jan 2024.

To the surprise of no one, the UK Supreme Court (UKSC) has finally ruled that an artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be an inventor for the purposes of UK patent law. This judgment accords with the decisions of the lower courts in the UK and the initial ruling of the UKIPO. It also reflects similar findings from most of courts around the world where the claimant, Dr Thaler, brought similar actions.

EU AI ACT-ion stations

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

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

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, Senior Knowledge Lawyer

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

Generative AI and intellectual property rights—the UK government's position

Published on 03 May 2023. By Helen Armstrong, Partner and Jani Ihalainen, Associate and Joshy Thomas, Senior Knowledge Lawyer

The IPO is to produce a code of practice by the summer that will provide guidance to support AI firms in accessing copyright protected works as an input to their models.

UK Government sets out proposals for regulation of AI

Published on 10 Oct 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead

What are the UK Government’s plans for the future regulation of artificial intelligence (AI)?

UK government announces the launch of an AI standards hub

Published on 12 Apr 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead

What does the new artificial intelligence (AI) standards hub mean for businesses seeking to develop AI technologies?

ICO publishes guidance on AI decision making

Published on 02 Nov 2020. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead

How can companies comply with data regulation when using AI to make decisions affecting individuals?

Snapshots Summer 2025

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Spring 2025

Published on 09 May 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Winter 2024

Published on 10 Dec 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Autumn 2024

Published on 17 Oct 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Summer 2024

Published on 01 Aug 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Parliamentary 'wash up' – which Bills made it through?

Published on 31 May 2024. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Shahil Goodka, Associate

On 22 May 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a General Election will take place on 4 July 2024. Parliament was then prorogued on 24 May 2024 which allowed a mere 2 days for 'wash up' - the process by which outstanding bills may be rushed through the parliamentary process.

Snapshots Spring 2024

Published on 17 Apr 2024. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

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.

Snapshots Winter 2023

Published on 12 Dec 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Autumn 2023

Published on 25 Oct 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

The Online Safety Bill is set to become law

Published on 21 Sep 2023. By Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner, Media

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.

Snapshots Summer 2023

Published on 07 Jul 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Spring 2023

Published on 31 Mar 2023. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Snapshots Winter 2022

Published on 23 Dec 2022. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment Sector Lead and David Cran, Partner, Head of Disputes

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

Sports Ticker #139 - FIFA faces NFT probe and Apple accelerates into F1 partnership - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 31 Oct 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Briana Cumberbatch, Trainee Solicitor

In a fortnight which saw Jannik Sinner win his fourth ATP Tour title at the Vienna Open, Team GB bring home a record 14 medals from this year's Track Cycling World Championships, and Brendan Rodgers' resignation from Celtic Football Club, we bring you news of a criminal complaint against FIFA for its World Cup 2026 NFTs, women's volleyball netting new major venture capital backing and Apple's $700 million streaming partnership with Formula 1.

Sports Ticker #138 - The IFR's new licensing landscape and darts debuts in Saudi - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 17 Oct 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Briana Cumberbatch, Trainee Solicitor

In a fortnight which saw Cape Verde celebrate a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the NFL's Broncos and Jets touchdown in London, and Coco Gauff capture a thrilling victory at the Wuhan Open, we bring you stories of innovation and expansion across the sporting world – from the IFR’s groundbreaking new licensing regime to darts’ Middle Eastern debut and the growing allure of celebrity-backed SailGP.

Sports Ticker #137 - Amazon's AR revolution and UFC unleashed at the White House - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 02 Oct 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Briana Cumberbatch, Trainee Solicitor

In a fortnight which saw England victorious in the Women's Rugby World Cup, Team Europe retaining the Ryder Cup, Hannah Cockroft claiming her 17th world title at the World Para Athletics Championships, and a record-breaking $55bn takeover of gaming giant Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, we bring you news of the ongoing dispute between Olympic Champion Nafi Thiam and Belgian Athletics, Conor McGregor's return to the UFC at the White House, and Amazon's new game changing augmented reality football coverage.

Sports Ticker #136 - WRU scrum for survival and Women's Cricket World Cup prize boost - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 22 Sep 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Charlie Osborne, Trainee Solicitor (on secondment)

In a fortnight which saw Jamaica sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce run her final ever individual race at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, England Men beating South Africa by the largest margin in ODI cricket history and the sad passing of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, we bring you news of the $800 million antitrust lawsuit filed by the Enhanced Games, a significant increase in prize money for the Women's Cricket World Cup, and potential changes to the Welsh Rugby Union that could see two regions axed.

Sports Ticker #135 - Women's Rugby World Cup final sells out and UEFA says no to surge pricing - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 08 Sep 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Charlie Osborne, Trainee Solicitor (on secondment)

In a fortnight which saw the world’s first professional bogsnorkeller defend his title at the Wales-based World Bog Snorkelling Championships, the return of the Barclays Women’s Super League and renamed Barclays Women’s Super League 2, and NFL heavyweights the San Francisco 49ers express their interest in a London Super Bowl, we bring you news of professional pool player Harriet Haynes’ unsuccessful discrimination claim against the English Blackpool Pool Federation, a look at the suspension of Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league after the upstart tournament failed to make payments to its roster of athletes, and a peak at the record-breaking attendance anticipated for the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Sports Ticker #134 - FIFA faces fracas with furious footballers and boxing's back on the BBC - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 20 Aug 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Senior Associate and Simon Williams, Associate and Charlie Osborne, Trainee Solicitor (on secondment)

In a fortnight which saw the return of the English Premier League to televisions around the world, tennis’ top stars prepare for a revamped doubles competition at the US Open, and a new record set at the annual Dorset Knob Throwing Contest after the champion competitor tossed his bread roll a commendable 32.05m, we bring you news of boxing’s return to free-to-air television, an insight into the multibillion pound claim brought by players against FIFA, and a look at Telford’s record breaking role in pickleball’s rise to the top.