The EU’s General Court has ruled that EU design applications can validly claim priority up to 12 months after the first filing – six months after the usual priority period has expired – so long as the first filing is an international patent application. But will applicants really benefit? According to General Court Case T-579/19 […]
Inspire is delighted to announce that it will be supporting three local charities, as part of its fundraising activities this year. First up is Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, a charity that the firm has supported for many years. The Inspire team will continue to take part in a number of fundraising initiatives, activities and challenges for […]
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have come into the spotlight quite frequently over the last few years – often in relation to scandals or controversial activity. Contrary to popular understanding, however, NDAs are not all bad and indeed can offer very real benefits. So, why are they important and how can you ensure that they are effective? […]
Earlier this month, David Barrow’s successful claim for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal against his former employer Kellogg Brown & Root (UK) Limited (KBR) hit the headlines when he was awarded damages in the sum of £2,567,831. There is little doubt from the liability judgment that Mr Barrow was extremely badly treated by his employer […]
The dispute between the European Commission (“the Commission”) and AstraZeneca (“AZ”) rumbles on following the Commission’s decision to commence legal action against AZ for alleged breaches of the COVID-19 vaccine supply contract. Commission spokesperson, Stefan De Keersmaeker, confirmed it was the Commission’s view that “the terms of the contract, or some terms of the contract, […]
Applications under the old Tier 1 Entrepreneur category have now closed and any Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa holders have until 5 April 2023 to apply to extend their visa or until 5 April 2025 to apply for UK settlement under this route. Due to ongoing disruption as a result of the pandemic, the Home Office […]
As the recruitment of top talent at innovative SME businesses becomes increasingly competitive, businesses are seeking ways they can attract, incentivise and retain professionals – particularly one which encourages long-term loyalty. One such way is to offer a share option scheme backed by HMRC. There are lots of different share schemes in existence (such as […]
There have been media reports that European Union citizens upon arriving in the UK are being detained by UK Immigration Officers after trying to enter the UK for work related reasons but without being in possession of the appropriate visas. Currently, EU Nationals who are looking to enter the UK visa free in order to […]
Sarah Evans, construction partner at law firm Spencer West, explores the factors to consider when terminating a construction contract Whilst construction projects should always aim to create a harmonious supply chain marriage, often parties find themselves heading for divorce. And never more so than in this post-covid, post-Brexit era, where issues around lack of materials and resources, quality […]
The insurance industry in London and internationally has been coping with the mass of insurance claims arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the UK, the industry regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), used its powers last year to bring an action against a number of Insurers who were denying business interruption claims from small […]
Corporate Crime analysis: Following 42 referrals by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, allowed 39 appeals of historic prosecutions brought by the Post Office Ltd as private prosecutor. The court held that the prosecutor’s failure to investigate and disclose material which would have assisted the defence on matters essential […]
Foreword by Andrew Chilvers The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a hugely diverse cultural and geographical mix that stretches from Morocco in northwest Africa to Iran in Southwest Asia. The region is home to a range of economies with vastly different levels of openness to international trade and investment. But with the […]
