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Silicon Valley, Signature and Credit Suisse: what do they all share(holder) in common?

Published on 28 Mar 2023. By James Wickes, Partner and Oliver Knox, Partner

In what has been termed "the biggest banking crisis since 2008", both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank have collapsed, and Credit Suisse has been rescued. Whether more banks are to follow suit is yet to be seen.

Accessory liability: when will directors be held liable for IP infringements committed by their companies – and what is counted as "profits"?

Published on 20 Jun 2024. By Rory Graham, Associate

The Supreme Court in Lifestyle Equities CV & Anor v Ahmed & Anor [2024] UKSC 17, has allowed an appeal by two company directors who were found liable as accessories to trade mark infringement by the company in which they were directors. The decision provides helpful clarification on the required elements for accessory liability in the context of IP right infringement claims and confirms the sums to be included in an account of profits if liability is established (spoiler alert: a director's salary is not considered to be "profit").

Online platforms should Swatch out: Samsung found liable for infringing third-party content available on the Samsung Galaxy App store

Published on 22 Jan 2024. By Sarah Mountain, Partner and Zoe Harvey, Associate

The Court of Appeal in Montres Breguet SA v Samsung Electronics [2023] EWCA Civ 1478 has dismissed Samsung's appeal and upheld a first instance decision which found it liable for trade mark infringement in relation to third-party watch faces available on the Samsung Galaxy App store. This judgment provides guidance on what constitutes "use" of a sign by an online app store and the applicability of the e-Commerce Directive hosting defence.

Fast-growing IP and tech practice at RPC welcomes Caroline Tuck as Partner

Published on 16 Oct 2023. By Caroline Tuck, Partner

International law firm RPC is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Tuck as a Partner in its Intellectual Property and Technology (IP & Tech) team. Caroline Tuck joins RPC from Deloitte, where she was a Director in the Disputes team.

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.

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, Senior 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).

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, Senior 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.

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, Senior 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.

The Sky's the limit for trade mark applications. Or is it?

Published on 12 Jul 2023. By Sarah Mountain, Partner and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate

Reproduction of infringing content online: who's liable?

Published on 21 Jul 2020. By Ciara Cullen, Partner, Retail & Consumer Sector Lead and Louise Morgan, Senior Associate

Keyword advertising, search engine optimisation and liability for infringement via online marketplaces: In recent years, there has been a plethora of cases concerning the various ways that trade marks may be infringed, through use on the internet.

All change! No extension means major changes for IP rights holders from 1 January 2021

Published on 02 Jul 2020. By Ben Mark, Partner and Sarah Mountain, Partner

Under Article 132 of the Withdrawal Agreement, 30 June 2020 was the last day that the UK could have requested an extension to the Brexit transition period. The COVID-19 outbreak prompted many to speculate that a request would be made but the deadline passed, without event.

BHS: Key Takeaways for Insolvency Practitioners

Published on 21 Oct 2024. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Matt Ward, Associate

The dust has now settled since Justice Leech handed down his judgment on the claim issued by the liquidators of BHS against certain of its former directors for wrongful trading and misfeasance. This included a novel claim for misfeasance trading. We examine the key takeaways for insolvency practitioners (IPs) arising out of this decision in light of the significant amounts ordered to be paid by the directors personally to the high street retailer's insolvent estate for the benefit of creditors.

Against a Backdrop of Rising Corporate Insolvencies HMRC Joint and Several Liability Notices: Should Directors be Concerned?

Published on 11 Apr 2023. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Laura Capece Galeota, Associate

It is widely anticipated that the next twelve months could be a challenging period for many businesses in the UK and that there could be a significant rise in the number of companies in financial distress.

Choppy waters ahead? The significance of Oceanfill

Published on 20 Mar 2023. By Elizabeth Alibhai, Partner and Paul Bagon, Partner and Will Beck, Of Counsel and Senior Knowledge Lawyer

The economic outlook for the UK in 2023 remains uncertain, and more companies may need to restructure their businesses to ensure survival. This

BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA and others – Supreme Court decision

Published on 06 Oct 2022. By Tim Moynihan, Partner and Harriet Ainsworth, Associate

The Judgment of the Supreme Court in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA was handed down on 5 October 2022.

Corporate bankruptcy and insolvency litigation roundtable

Published on 09 Sep 2021. By Paul Bagon, Partner

The corporate bankruptcy & insolvency litigation landscape has experienced a turbulent period over the past year and a half, largely a consequence of the extreme circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, many businesses have sought arrangements and restructuring plans in an attempt to avoid corporate bankruptcy. However, as government COVID-19-related stimulus is withdrawn and the true financial impact of the pandemic becomes clear, the focus turns to which businesses will remain in crisis or fold, and which are able to restructure and survive. As the battle lines are drawn, disputes are sure to rise.

What are the latest trends in bankruptcy and restructuring? What developments can we expect to see?

Published on 14 May 2021. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Tim Moynihan, Partner

The pandemic led to the biggest change to insolvency legislation in the UK for over 20 years.

The UK's new restructuring plan

Published on 21 Apr 2021. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Tim Moynihan, Partner

The UK has introduced the Restructuring Plan; a new, flexible court supervised restructuring tool. The Restructuring Plan draws upon features of the existing Companies Act 2006 scheme of arrangement procedure (which remains available) but includes features which are new to the UK but similar to those under U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

Carluccio's serves up a rescue recipe

Published on 28 Apr 2020. By Paul Bagon, Partner

On Friday 24 April, RPC hosted a 30 minute webinar on the interaction of furloughing and insolvency law.

COVID-19: the supply chain

Published on 20 Apr 2020. By Paul Bagon, Partner and Tim Moynihan, Partner

Concerns regarding the strength of UK supply chains and the consequences which arise when links in the chain fail, are not new and were recently subject to significant scrutiny in the context of Brexit negotiations. But with COVID-19 causing a host of new problems for already stressed supply chains, what can businesses do to protect themselves?

COVID-19: Good news on wrongful trading provisions but why should directors tread carefully?

Published on 09 Apr 2020. By Tim Moynihan, Partner

The Government has launched a number of initiatives to assist companies and businesses to trade through the current financial stress. But what should directors still be aware of as they steer their organisations through these unprecedented times?

COVID-19: The suspension of wrongful trading provisions and a moratorium for businesses in restructuring – what is the likely impact on your business?

Published on 31 Mar 2020. By Paul Bagon, Partner and James Whelan, Senior Associate

COVID-19: On 28 March 2020 the Business Secretary announced further new far-reaching measures to help businesses combat the financial impact of COVID-19. What it the likely impact of the suspension of wrongful trading provisions and a moratorium for businesses in restructuring on your business?

Restructuring and Insolvency roundup January 2018

Published on 05 Jan 2018.

In this roundup, we look at crowdfunding, a sector which continues to be of interest to practitioners giving the changing regulatory landscape and the risk to investors. Other cases we look at include cover privilege in bankruptcy, the adequacy of ATE policies, and the requirement for boards to be quorate when directors appoint administrators.

Restructuring and insolvency roundup, July 2017

Published on 18 Jul 2017.

In this roundup, we consider four recent cases with implications for practitioners in the restructuring and insolvency sector.

“Gagging orders”: an office holder’s secret weapon

Published on 13 Mar 2017.

Practitioners are fully aware of the extensive powers available under ss 235 and 236 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (IA 1986) allowing administrators and liquidators as office holders (OHs) to require individuals and organisations to disgorge information.

Make insolvency great again

Published on 08 Feb 2017.

One of the great criticisms of the new President of the United States of America is that his companies filed for bankruptcy four times when he was a business mogul.

Restructuring and insolvency December 2015

Published on 18 Dec 2015.

An update on recent changes

Legislative changes in effect today: what IPs need to know

Published on 26 May 2015.

Previously under section 165 IA 86, liquidators in a voluntary winding up would have to seek sanction of the company (in members’ voluntary liquidation) or of the court or liquidation committee (in creditors’ voluntary liquidation) in order to exercise their powers to pay debts, compromise claims etc.

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 and Alexandra Anderson, 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 Practice 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 Alexandra Anderson, Partner and 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.

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.

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.

Sports Ticker #132 - Owl's not well at Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon swaps one court for another

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

In a fortnight which saw Jannik Sinner achieve Wimbledon glory after beating Carlos Alcaraz by three sets to one in a fierce Centre Court spectacle, underdogs Chelsea FC topple Paris Saint Germain to become victors of the Men’s FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and the Welsh Rugby Union announce that it is considering halving the number of regions in the Welsh professional rugby union setup, we bring you news on Sheffield Wednesday’s third transfer embargo, an insight into Tour De France’s new yellow card system, and a look at Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP.

Sports Ticker #131 - Ascot plays a Royal Flush, county cricket shakes it up and Spurs take on INEOS - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 04 Jul 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw the eyes of the world tune into Wimbledon in clockwork fashion, Al-Hilal triumph over Manchester City with a last minute winner in the Club World Cup 2025, and the sad passing of Liverpool and Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, we bring you news on a radical shakeup in the world of county cricket, insights into Royal Ascot’s latest attendance successes, and a look at Tottenham Hotspurs’ legal spat with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group.

Sports Ticker #130: Netflix's big-hitter, F1's 2026 calendar and the controversial Enhanced Games - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 25 Jun 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight that saw a heat-laden FIFA Club World Cup 2025 kick off in the United States, the British & Irish Lions fall short against Argentina in the first leg of their 2025 tour and reviews roll in for F1: The Movie, we bring you news on Netflix’s latest boxing announcement, updates on Premiership Rugby’s record viewing figures, and a look at World Aquatic’s hard stance on the Enhanced Games.

Sports Ticker #129 - Commonwealth Games lives on, DAZN's star-studded ad and cheese rolling galore - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 10 Jun 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Arsenal win the UEFA Women's Champions League, Northampton Saints fall eight points short of European glory against Bordeaux Bègles and the town of Abingdon host the 42nd World Poohsticks Championships, we bring you news on the Government’s search for a Head of Video Games and Esports, an update on the future of the Commonwealth Games and a look at Gloucestershire’s annual cheese rolling race, whose women’s race winner cemented her victory with the words, “I don’t like cheese”.

Sports Ticker #128: Goodison's new tenants, Fnatic's Happy Deal and Barclays' latest sponsorships - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 23 May 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Andy Murray part ways with Novak Djokovic and Jamie Vardy reach 200 goals for Leicester City in his 500th and final game for the club (as well as Leicester being charged with an alleged breach of the Championship’s profit and sustainability rules for the 2023/24 season), we bring you news of Fnatic’s Happy Deal with McDonald’s, an insight into Barclays’ sponsorship deals with the O2 Arena and Co-Op Live, and the news at Everton’s Goodison Park.

Sports Ticker #127: Becks buys Salford, Sadiq seeks Olympic repeat and Hamilton signs autograph deal - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 09 May 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw 150,000 Leeds United fans turn out to celebrate the club's promotion to the English Premier League, hundreds of daring racers take part in Essex’s annual Maldon Mud Run and the London Marathon steal New York’s crown for record number of finishers, we bring you news of Sadiq Khan’s Olympic aspirations, an insight into Lewis Hamilton’s exclusive autograph and memorabilia agreement and a peak at Channel 5’s broadcasting deal for the Men’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Sports Ticker #126 - Cricket’s Olympic revival, Euro-Soccer and Mbappé’s pay war - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 25 Apr 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Cambridge University do the double over Oxford University at the 2025 Boat Race and Strava acquire its rival Runna in a dash for running app supremacy, we bring you updates on the historic impact of Rory McIlroy's Masters victory, news of cricket's triumphant return to the Olympics and an insight into the record-breaking prize pool announced for the Esports World Cup 2025.

Sports injuries: the concussion pandemic

Published on 22 Apr 2025. By Fiona Hahlo, Partner

The inherent risk of injury to participants in many sports is well known – you only need to watch a game of rugby or American football, or spectate a boxing match, to appreciate this. Participants must accept this risk to some extent, but, the acceptance is conditional. They rely on governing bodies to control and regulate the sport to minimise injury risk; clubs to enforce the rules; referees to ensure compliance; players to follow the rules; organisers to provide appropriate facilities; and clinicians, especially in professional sport, to administer appropriate treatment.

Sports Ticker #125: All Blacks settle sponsor spat, WDC ups top prize and UK Baller League kicks off – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world

Published on 10 Apr 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Patrick Mullins ride Nick Rockett to victory in the Grand National, Dmitry Bivol renounce his WBC light-heavyweight title in pursuit of a trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, and Cardiff Rugby serve a notice of intention to appoint administrators, we bring you updates on Fnatic’s IMG partnership, news of a major increase in prize money in the World Darts Championship, and details of a settlement between the International Tennis Federation and Gerard Piqué’s Kosmos.

Sports Ticker #124: IOC's marathon month, London Lions stadium and Six Nations free-to-air deal

Published on 28 Mar 2025. By Jeremy Drew, Partner and Joshua Charalambous, Partner and Samuel Coppard, Senior Associate and Ellie Chakarto, Senior Associate and Joseph Akwaboa, Associate and Simon Williams, Associate

In a fortnight which saw Kirsty Coventry elected as the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, Newcastle United win its first major domestic trophy since 1955, and a reported eightfold increase in Ferrari-branded merchandise sales for Puma following Lewis Hamilton's arrival, we bring you updates on the launch of Arsenal Women's first lifestyle range, a major complaint (and PR campaign) commenced by a professional tennis players’ association against the ATP, WTA, ITF and ITIA, and details of the Six Nations' extended free-to-air deal with the BBC and ITV.