Search results

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.

A new era for surveyors: RICS launches global standard on responsible use of AI

Published on 17 Sep 2025. By Katharine Cusack, Partner and Cecilia Everett, Partner

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has taken a decisive step into the future, publishing its first global professional standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in surveying. Released on 10 September 2025 and due to take effect from 9 March 2026, this landmark guidance aims to steer surveyors through the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technologies, seeking to balance innovation with accountability.

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.

Navigating the impact of AI on work: challenges, opportunities, and the human touch

Published on 20 Mar 2024. By Patrick Brodie, Partner, Head of Employment, Engagement & Equality

The fear of job losses because of technology and automation, including artificial intelligence, has been with us since the 1960s. For some time, academics have predicted the decline of routine, rules-based and process-driven roles.

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.

Construction and Engineering Law 2025

Published on 07 Aug 2025. By Alan Stone, Partner and Tom Green, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

We are delighted to have contributed once again to ICLG's Construction and Engineering Law guide for 2025. The comprehensive guide delves into the multifaceted world of construction and engineering law, providing an essential reference for understanding and comparing the handling of common legal challenges across various jurisdictions.

Securing electricity for development projects

Published on 14 May 2025. By Arash Rajai, Partner and Claire Wilmann, Senior Associate

Developers are facing significant delays in securing a point of connection, offer from a Distribution Network Operator (DNO), to reserve power on the grid for a new development site. In a challenging market, a development site that might be sold off with planning permission is more marketable if it benefits from reserved power.

Construction and Engineering Law 2024

Published on 15 Aug 2024. By Tom Green, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner and Alan Stone, Partner and Jonathan Carrington, Senior Associate

We are delighted to have contributed once again to ICLG's Construction and Engineering Law guide for 2024. The comprehensive guide delves into the multifaceted world of construction and engineering law, providing an essential reference for understanding and comparing the handling of common legal challenges across various jurisdictions.

AI in Construction

Published on 16 Jul 2024. By Georgina Haynes, Senior Associate

There is a lot of discussion around Artificial Intelligence ("AI") and its application to industry. We have considered what AI is, the benefits and risks, how it fits into the construction industry, the effect on insurers and what the future holds.

New developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud

Published on 28 Apr 2023. By Will Sefton, Partner, Head of the Lawyers Liability and Regulatory Group

As the computing power of Artificial Intelligence continues to grow exponentially, we consider how generative technology may expand the reach of traditional phishing frauds aimed at law firms.

W&I insurance: Key lessons from recent case law

Published on 22 Aug 2024. By Guinevere Lydia Wentworth, Associate and Charmaine Chew, Senior Associate

Recent case law has highlighted the importance of understanding how a buyer on a share or asset sale has valued the target business and the clear drafting of exclusions. This blog considers the key takeaways for both warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurers and insureds.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #4: inadequate professional services

Published on 08 Sep 2025. By Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Ben Goodier, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This is the fourth article in our series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team. This time we consider failures to act with skill & care which amount to unacceptable professional conduct and lead to regulatory consequences.

Supreme Court resolves key construction and professional negligence issues in URS Corp Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd

Published on 09 Jul 2025. By Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer and Ben Goodier, Partner

The Supreme Court handed down its keenly awaited judgment in URS Corp Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [2025] UKSC 21 on 21 May 2025. The dispute concerns whether a developer (BDW Trading Ltd) can recover the cost of remedying allegedly dangerous defects in two residential developments from the structural engineers (URS Corporation Ltd) responsible for their design. Our specialist construction insurance team consider the key points for insurers, brokers and professional consultants.

Surveying the risks: RICS proposed updates tackling financial crime

Published on 02 Jun 2025. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Catherine Zakarias-Welch, Knowledge Lawyer

Financial crime is on the rise. In response to the new technologies criminals are using, such as AI and cryptocurrency, RICS launched a consultation calling on members, regulated firms and key stakeholders to respond to its consultation on proposed changes to "The Financial Crime Standard" (The RICS Countering Financial Crime: Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Sanctions Violation Professional Standard).

A guide to buying and selling English residential property

Published on 14 Jan 2025. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Sukh Ahark, Partner, Co-head of India Desk and Ben Roberts, Partner and Jon Ely, Partner and Arash Rajai, Partner

We are seeing increased positivity in the English residential property market. In 2024, inflation reached the Bank of England’s 2% target, down from 11.1% in 2022, which was a significant factor in the return of consumer confidence and economic growth. Mortgage rates are falling slightly with approval rates at their highest level since 2022 as buyers continue to respond to increased certainty post-election. Property values are again on the rise while demand continues to outstrip supply.

Architects' Code reforms – it's important that you have your say!

Published on 08 Oct 2024. By Emma Wherry, Of Counsel

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is consulting on a proposed new code of professional conduct for architects. The proposed new Code is shorter and simpler, but may be more complex to apply and more onerous. Architects should consider responding to the consultation by the deadline of 12 December 2024.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #3: fraud and dishonesty

Published on 12 Aug 2024. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the third instalment in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Unpacking the Building Safety Act's industry overhaul

Published on 06 Mar 2024. By Zoe Eastell, Partner and Zack Gould-Wilson, Senior Associate

On June 28, 2022, the Building Safety Act 2022 received royal assent, bringing about the biggest change to building safety in 40 years.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!

Published on 21 Feb 2024. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

Construction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development

Published on 16 Oct 2023. By Ben Goodier, Partner and Emma Wherry, Of Counsel and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.

The El Niño year and impact on subsidence claims

Published on 13 Jul 2023. By Andrew Roper, Partner and Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Insurers should be bracing for a wave of subsidence claims arising from the increasingly warm weather. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared that an El Niño climate event is in progress, which helps explain why June 2023 was the hottest on record in the UK.

Building on renewable energy #3 – Anaerobic Digestion

Published on 24 Sep 2020.

Anaerobic digestion is the process by which biodegradable materials are broken down in a controlled environment. Whilst being broken down, the materials emit gas (which can be used as a source of renewable energy), and produce heat (which can also be harnessed on or near-to site). The process also leaves a waste material (digestate), which can be used as fertiliser, contributing to the circular economy.

Take 10 - 3 October 2025

Published on 03 Oct 2025. By Keith Mathieson, Partner and Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner and Alex Wilson, Partner and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate and Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate and Alex Littlewood, Senior Associate (Barrister) and Thomas Otter , Associate and Alex Pollock, Associate and Megan Grew, Associate and Niamh Greene, Associate and Lydia Robinson, Associate and Lydia Kelly, Trainee Solicitor and Cai Pugh, Paralegal Apprentice

Welcome back to RPC's Media and Communications law update. As we return from the summer break, we recap on the key media judgments and developments over the last few months.

Ofcom publishes children's online safety codes and risk assessment guidance

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What measures must in-scope service providers undertake following the introduction of Ofcom's Protection of Children Codes and Guidance (the Codes)?

New UK Software Security Code of Practice

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What impact will the new voluntary Software Security Code of Practice have on UK organisations?

Navigating the AI Act: The GPAI Code of Practice and Guidelines

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What does the European Commission’s GPAI Code of Practice and Guidelines mean for providers of General Purpose AI models?

First fines issued under the EU Digital Markets Act

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

How have obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) been enforced recently and what are the ramifications for a lack of compliance?

EU Commission's call for evidence on European Business Wallet

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What is the new European Business Wallet and how could businesses benefit from it?

EU Commission seeks feedback on guidelines for the protection of minors online under the Digital Services Act

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What might the change in the Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines mean for providers of online platforms that can be used by minors?

UK Data (Use and Access) Act comes into force

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What are the key elements of the UK’s new Data (Use and Access) Act (DUAA)?

ICO publishes new guidance on anonymisation and pseudonymisation

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What are the ICO's latest key recommendations for effective anonymisation and pseudonymisation of personal data?

Encryption under scrutiny: what the ICO’s new guidance means for your business

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What is the ICO's current thinking around encryption practices where organisations are subject to the UK GDPR?

€530m TikTok fine highlights the importance of effective international data transfer mechanisms

Published on 23 Sep 2025. By Oliver Bray, Senior Partner, Technology, Media & Telecoms Sector Lead

What were the missing compliance elements in TikTok's international data transfers to China and why did these result in such a significant fine?

Snapshots Summer 2025

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

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

Generative AI – addressing copyright

Published on 22 Sep 2025. By Ciara Cullen, Partner, Consumer Brands & Retail Sector Lead and Joshy Thomas, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Rory Graham, Associate

When it comes to the interaction of AI and IP rights, most attention and litigation has been focussed on copyright. The three main issues are whether: (1) the way FMs are trained using works from the internet infringes the copyright in the works of content creators such as authors, artists and software developers; (2) the outputs of FMs infringe the copyright of content creators; and (3) AI generated works are protectable.

Take 10 - 1 August 2025

Published on 01 Aug 2025. By Keith Mathieson, Partner and Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner and Alex Wilson, Partner and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate and Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate and Thomas Otter , Associate and Alex Pollock, Associate and Megan Grew, Associate and Niamh Greene, Associate and Maddie Wakeman, Trainee Solicitor

Welcome to RPC's Media and Communications law update. This month's edition on key media developments and the latest cases.

Take 10 - 11 July 2025

Published on 11 Jul 2025. By Keith Mathieson, Partner and Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner and Alex Wilson, Partner and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate and Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate and Thomas Otter , Associate and Niamh Greene, Associate and Alex Pollock, Associate and Megan Grew, Associate and Maddie Wakeman, Trainee Solicitor

Welcome to RPC's Media and Communications law update. This month's edition on key media developments and the latest cases.

Take 10 - 30 June 2025

Published on 30 Jun 2025. By Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner and Keith Mathieson, Partner and Alex Wilson, Partner and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate and Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate and Thomas Otter , Associate and Niamh Greene, Associate and Alex Pollock, Associate and Megan Grew, Associate and Maddie Wakeman, Trainee Solicitor

Welcome to RPC's Media and Communications law update. This month's edition on key media developments and the latest cases.

Take 10 - 13 June 2025

Published on 13 Jun 2025. By Keith Mathieson, Partner and Rupert Cowper-Coles , Partner and Alex Wilson, Partner and Samantha Thompson, Senior Associate and Mafruhdha Miah, Senior Associate and Alex Pollock, Associate and Thomas Otter , Associate and Megan Grew, Associate and Niamh Greene, Associate and Maddie Wakeman, Trainee Solicitor

Welcome to RPC's Media and Communications law update. This month's edition on key media developments and the latest cases.

What is a foundation model?

Published on 11 Jun 2025. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Joshy Thomas, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Rory Graham, Associate

Part 1 - UK AI regulation

Published on 11 Jun 2025. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

There has been consistent messaging from the UK Conservative-led government that the UK has decided to adopt a light touch approach to regulating AI. This was evident in the AI white paper published in March 2023 which outlined a principles based framework (see ['The Ethics of AI – the Digital Dilemma'] for more information about the principles themselves and see here for additional coverage of the AI white paper). The UK government held a consultation on the AI white paper in 2023 and published a response on 6 February 2024 that adds slightly more flesh to the bones of the UK framework.

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.

AI and Privacy – 10 Questions to Ask

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Jon Bartley, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer

We set out in this section 10 key questions to ask yourself at the outset when developing or deploying AI solutions in your business.

The Ethics of AI - The Digital Dilemma

Published on 10 Jun 2025.

This is Part 6 of 'Regulation of AI – raising the trillion dollar bAIby'

Part 6 – Practical Considerations

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer

AI focussed actors and providers have been focussing on their forthcoming AI obligations and on governance for some time, but it is now prudent for the majority of organisations to assess how their use of AI will come within the scope of regulation in key territories and become familiar with each regime (and devise a means to keep up with the anticipated fast moving changes). Planning for the costs of compliance and for AI governance including systems and procedures for data retention and record keeping should also be part of current business strategy together with building expertise on AI internally and identifying trusted advisors from the "noise" of what is being offered externally.

Part 5 – AI Regulation Globally

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

On 30 October 2023 the G7 published its international guiding principles on AI, in addition to a voluntary code of conduct for AI developers. The G7 principles are a non-exhaustive list of guiding principles aimed at promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI and are intended to build on the OECD's AI Principles, adopted back in May 2019.

AI-as-a-service – key issues

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Paul Joukador, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Tom James, Associate

Artificial Intelligence-as-a-Service (AIaaS), in the same vein as Software-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-as-a-Service, refers to cloud-based tools that allow businesses to gain access to an AI model hosted by a third party provider.

Procuring AI – commercial considerations checklist

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Paul Joukador, Partner

Many companies will no doubt be considering using AI within their business to take advantage of the massive opportunities for increased productivity and cost efficiencies promised.

Regulation of AI - introduction

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Caroline Tuck, Partner and Praveeta Thayalan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer and Ricky Cella, Senior Associate

As with any new technology, existing data protection and privacy, intellectual property, competition, product liability, data security and consumer laws apply to its application in each jurisdiction. This has thrown up a number of important and newsworthy issues and considerations for AI developers and providers, legislators, consumers and rights holders. There are also several sets of high profile legal proceedings both decided and ongoing in several jurisdictions. These issues and legal proceedings are discussed in other sections of this AI Guide.