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The 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 moreClientEarth challenges claims made by BlackRock in its sustainable funds
Not only are regulators clamping down on greenwashing but, as previously highlighted, ClientEarth, a non-profit international environmental law organisation, also has this issue squarely in its sights.
Read moreArchitects' Code reforms – it's important that you have your say!
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.
Read moreUncertainty around the mandatory reimbursement cap for APP frauds – a new headache for FI firms and their insurers?
New regulations coming on 7 October 2024 will force payment firms to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud up to a set limit. On 4 September 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) announced a consultation proposing to set this limit at £85,000, vastly reduced from the previously proposed £415,000 cap. This is a potential headache for insurers as the level of the cap will impact assessment of risk and apportionment of liability between sending and receiving payment firms – and the industry will only have 7 days to prepare.
Read moreConstruction disciplinary trends analysis #3: fraud and dishonesty
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.
Read moreFurther welcome news from the FCA – this time on co-manufacturing
Following on from our earlier blog, our review of the FCA's 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) continues, this time considering the rules relating to co-manufacturers of insurance products.
Read morePotential deregulation and a pragmatic approach to commercial insurance – welcome news from the FCA
The FCA has published a 'Discussion Paper' (DP24/1) seeking feedback on its rules on commercial insurance including in respect of the types of commercial customers in-scope, co-manufacturing of products and bespoke insurance products.
Read moreNew Labour government – what is in store for the UK?
We have a new Labour Party government for the first time in 14 years. The new government has already made various announcements, with more set to follow in the coming days, and then we have the King’s Speech on 17 July, when the Labour Party will set out its opening legislative agenda – but what can we expect from the new government impacting services regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, pensions and accountants?
Read moreConstruction disciplinary trends analysis #2: engagement letters – worth more than the paper they're written on!
This article is the second in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.
Read moreConstruction disciplinary trends analysis #1: continuing professional development
This article is the first in our mini-series analysing trends in disciplinary decisions involving construction professionals, with insight from our specialist disciplinary team.
Read moreNew developments in AI may put law firms at greater risk of phishing fraud
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.
Read moreIs the FCA to blame for BSPS? MPs seem to think so
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday published a report entitled "Investigation into the British Steel Pension Scheme". The report makes a number of recommendations in light of its investigations in to the FCA's conduct and regulatory oversight at the time of the issues arising from the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) and in particular the decision by 7,834 members to transfer to a personal pension arrangement. The report is heavily critical of the FCA's handling of BSPS and its regulatory oversight of the defined benefit transfer market generally. Given the request in the report for an update from the FCA on its progress on the various recommendations and conclusions in 6 months' time, we wait to see how the FCA reacts to yet further criticism of its handling of BSPS at a time when it is reviewing responses to the consumer redress scheme consultation.
Read moreSIPPs and FOS - does the Rowanmoor decision change anything?
Last week FOS published a decision it reached last year in a complaint against a SIPP provider involving advised sales. The FOS upheld the complaint, finding that the SIPP provider should have rejected business from the regulated financial adviser, CIB Life and Pensions Limited (CIB), given, broadly, red flags available to the SIPP provider with respect to the operation of CIB's business model including that CIB was not advising on the ultimate investment within the SIPP and as a result such introductions involved a significant risk of consumer detriment. The decision has received quite a bit of press attention - but has it moved the dial for SIPP complaints before FOS or not?
Read moreThe Future of Insolvency Regulation
On 21 December 2021 the Government launched a consultation into the future of insolvency regulation. The changes proposed in the consultation document will have a wide ranging impact on the insolvency profession (and its insurers) with the proposals including: the direct regulation of insolvency firms, the introduction of a single regulatory body with powers to order compensation against insolvency practitioners and firms, a new additional requirements regime, changes to the bond regime and a public register of insolvency practitioners and firms. Many of the changes proposed require primary legislation and so it may be some time before the changes to take effect (if adopted). But there does appear to be some wind behind these proposals given they follow on from the Call for Evidence in 2019 and a more general focus on insolvency issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read moreThe EU's Cyber Resilience Act: 10 on the 10
Today the EU's Cyber Resilience Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2847) ('CRA') enters into force. The CRA recognises that the continuously evolving world of smart products is frequently challenged by vulnerabilities which can potentially lead to cyber-security incidents. Whilst most of the Act's obligations will not be applicable until three years from now, 10 December is the day when the EU takes a big step towards it's ten-year Cybersecurity Strategy. To mark the occasion, we have outlined ten key points that entities in scope must be aware of in preparation for compliance with the CRA.
Read moreNew Data (Use and Access) Bill
What does the new Data (Use and Access) Bill (the Data Bill) mean for businesses?
Read moreNew Development: National Cyber Security Centre warns AI is likely to heighten global ransomware threat
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCQH, has published a report on the “near-term impact of AI on the cyber threat” over the next two years, which concludes that: (i) AI is already being used in cyber activity in a malicious way; and (ii) the volume of cyber attacks and the global ransomware threat are likely to be heightened over the next two years.
Read moreUK Government publishes response to AI White Paper consultation
What approach has the UK Government’s adopted in its response to the consultation on the AI regulation White Paper (the White Paper)?
Read moreWhat the AI is going on… December 2023 to March 2024
Google launched its newest GenAI, Gemini Nano. Designed specifically for mobile phones it presents new competition to market leaders OpenAI. Gemini Nano will allow AI apps that operate offline as opposed to only on servers and provide improved privacy for users.
Read moreCourt of Appeal holds Samsung liable for trade mark infringement by third-party apps
Can online platforms be liable for trademark infringement by third-party apps?
Read moreUK Supreme Court rejects AI as “inventor” under the Patents Act
What is the scope and meaning of “inventor” in the UK’s patent framework, and will it accept an AI machine as being the sole inventor?
Read moreThe new EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
What can financial services entities and ICT providers expect from DORA and what do they need to do prepare for it?
Read moreVirtual billboards: the future of immersive advertising?
With the deployment of immersive technologies poised to become the norm, the implementation of infrastructure for "virtual billboards", and the "property digital rights" which they demand, is demonstrating a lucrative gap in the market and huge growth potential.
Read moreChanges to the One Stop Shop
In July 2023 the European Commission issued a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down additional procedural rules relating to the enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (the 'GDPR' Regulations).
Read moreEthics in the age of AI: new Institute of Directors checklist
What are the key considerations for boards regarding the ethical use of AI within their companies based on the Institute of Directors’ (IoD) Checklist for Boards (Checklist)?
Read moreGovernment White Paper sets out UK approach to AI regulation
How is the UK Government looking to regulate AI?
Read moreDigital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill opens door for stricter regulation of news platforms
How might the proposed Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill (the Bill) affect news reporting by digital platforms?
Read moreUK Government wants understanding of video games to move to the next level
On 30 May 2023, the UK Government published a Video Games Research Framework which encourages research on video games and emerging game-related technologies.
Read moreDCMS publishes new Code of Practice for app developers and app store operators
What do app developers and app store operators need to do to comply with the new Code of Practice published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)?
Read moreNew Metaverse regulation proposal to be discussed by EU Commission
How does the European Commission (EC) intend to regulate the Metaverse?
Read moreOnline Safety Bill: Latest amendments increase focus on children safety
What is the focus of the latest round of amendments proposed to the Online Safety Bill and how will these impact online platforms?
Read moreICO publishes guidance on compliance of game design with the Children’s Code
What steps can game designers take to ensure their games comply with the Children’s Code?
Read moreAI technology projects – the regulatory landscape
Parties engaged in AI technology projects should be mindful of the regulatory landscape, and the changes taking place within it. A failure to do so could result in an AI solution that is not compliant from a regulatory perspective, the use of which potentially creates risk for the technology provider and user.
Read moreRPC Law x Web3: Gambling regulations – Don't Play Games of Chance with the Law
This is part of a series of RPC x Web3 articles designed to help Web3 participants and enthusiasts understand their rights in this rapidly evolving space.
Read moreNew Digital Regulators on the 2023 Horizon: the Digital Markets Unit and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency
For a number of years, the UK Government has been laying the groundwork to bring in a digital markets regime to regulate digital firms designated as having ‘strategic market status’ (SMS). To be designated as having SMS, a firm must have 'substantial and entrenched market power' in at least one activity. Companies having SMS are likely to include the largest tech firms such as Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta (the so called 'GAMMA' firms).
Read moreDigital services providers—Commission to focus on implementation phase of EU consumer protection legislation
The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) are published in the Official Journal and the plenary vote of the European Parliament on the proposed text of the AI Act is expected once amendments are agreed by negotiators. The Commission is now turning its focus to the implementation phase of these landmark regimes. So, what does the future hold for the European tech sector and how might it differ for the UK?
Read moreThe EU Digital Markets Act - a focus on gatekeeper obligations and sanctions
What key obligations will the Digital Markets Act (DMA) impose on online platforms designated as gatekeepers?
Read moreCMA ends its investigation into online console gaming subscription practices
The UK Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has now closed its investigation into subscription practices in the online console gaming sector after key players Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft committed to making improvements to their contract terms with a view to better protecting customers.
Read moreSports Ticker #119: Wimbledon worries, ICC's two-tier cricket and Mike Tyson litigation
In a fortnight which saw the World Snooker Tour launch a new global streaming service and Adidas enter F1 with a Mercedes partnership, we bring you updates on the legal action against Wimbledon's expansion plans, FIFA's interim transfer rules following the Diarra ruling and the possibility of a two-tier cricket Test system.
Read moreSky trademark ruling suggests strategy tips for brands
In a judgment handed down in SkyKick UK Ltd. v. Sky Ltd. on Nov. 13, the U.K. Supreme Court held that various trademarks for "Sky" owned by Sky were partially invalid due to their having been filed in bad faith, on the basis that Sky lacked a genuine intention to use the marks in all the classes for which they had been registered.
Read moreSports Ticker #118: Thom Browne v Adidas, Formula E on TV and Q&A with Ben Maher – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world
In a fortnight which saw boxing face an ultimatum for its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, trials of an alternative system to VAR extended by the International Football Association Board and the NBA announce its return to China in 2025, we bring you updates on Thom Browne vs Adidas, AB InBev's partnership with FIFA for the Club World Cup 2025 and an exciting RPC event with Ben Maher on 17 December.
Read moreSports Ticker #117: Padel Cup, Cadillac enters F1 and AI rugby developments
In a fortnight which saw Premier League clubs approve changes to the Associated Party Transaction rules and Thom Browne prevail against Adidas in its long running dispute concerning striped trade marks (further analysis in the next Ticker!), we bring you updates on the newly anticipated global rugby competition, MotoGP's broadcast agreement with TNT Sports and an ex-footballer's professional tennis debut.
Read moreSports Ticker #116: Football Governance Bill, Ashes series and Sela shirts
In a fortnight which saw Barcelona strike a record €1.7bn kit deal with Nike (ending the 'will they / won't they' debate on Barcelona producing their own kit), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell set his sights on Ireland for an international game and Ferrari sign a multi-year F1 partnership with IBM, we bring you updates on the revived Football Governance Bill, the 2024/25 Women's Sport Investment Accelerator scheme and Sela Sound Shirts for football fans with hearing impairments.
Read moreSports Ticker #115: Wimbledon AI, NSL revamp and Diarra ECJ judgment
In a fortnight which saw FIFA name Lenovo as an official technology partner, Wrexham AFC secure Meta Quest as the club's back of shirt sponsor (with the players wearing the headsets as they walked out onto the pitch), and New Zealand win the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup, we bring you updates on Wimbledon replacing line judges with AI, the revamped Netball Super League and the recent Diarra ruling in the European Court of Justice.
Read moreSports Ticker #114: Wimbledon expansion, Club World Cup 2025 and F1's LEGO partnership – a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world
In a fortnight which saw the WRU issue Wales Women’s rugby team with 37 full-time contracts and the announcement of the Green Sport Awards 2024 nominees, we bring you updates on Wimbledon's plans for expansion, Barclays' partnership with the WSL and Women's Championship, and the Global Esports Federation's commitment to the UN Sustainability Development Goals.
Read moreSports Ticker #113 - PL v Man City, Commonwealth Games 2026 and Supreme Court referee ruling - a speed read of commercial updates from the sports world
In a fortnight which saw the Women's Professional League agree a record £45 million Barclays title sponsorship extension, Friedkin Group reach a deal to buy Everton FC and FIFA extend its partnership with Lay's, we bring you updates on the 'Sports Trial of the Century' between the Premier League and Man City, Glasgow's plans for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and how football referees may qualify as employees.
Read moreSports Ticker #112: Leicester City's PSR appeal, Paralympics success and Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 coverage
Edition 112 12 September 2024 In a fortnight which saw ParalympicsGB claim second place at the Paris Paralympics 2024, the Scottish government strongly encouraged to back the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the French Rugby Federation agree a new supplier partnership with Adidas, we bring you updates on AI-powered translation of sports commentary, Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 on the BBC, and Leicester City's successful appeal of its PSR charge.
Read moreSports Ticker #111: New era for women's football, NFT football trading cards and Twickenham's naming rights deal
In a fortnight which saw the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics come to a close, Andy Murray's retirement from tennis and British Basketball's Manchester franchise acquired by a US-based investment group, we bring you updates on the "New Era" for women's football, the NFL and Sony's new partnership, and Twickenham's new naming rights deal.
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