Insights: Legal Updates - January 2012

In the long running matter of Masri v Consolidated Contractors and others [2011] EWHC 1024 (Comm) the court had made orders in support of a judgment, including two receivership orders, various freezing orders and orders requiring the provision of affidavits of assets. The defendants were Lebanese and, after the English orders were made against them, […]

The case of Anthony Bailey and another v Keith Graham and others [2011] EWHC 3098 (Ch) involved a claim brought against Levi Roots relating to the secret recipe behind his ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’, which became a well known success following his appearance on the television show Dragon’s Den. Anthony Bailey and Sylvester Williams alleged Mr […]

Not only has the word “Wikipedia” entered into everyday language but the online encyclopaedia’s blackout of its service on 18 January 2012 has certainly prevented many of us from looking up a quick fact. (Particularly many students!) The online encyclopaedia’s blackout is in protest against two anti-piracy laws currently being debated in the US. Google […]

The long anticipated Olympic Games (Games) are finally arriving in London in July 2012. Whilst many Londoners are excited at hosting such a prestigious sporting event, employers face legitimate concerns that disruption for staff and their day to day operations may spoil the occasion. By planning ahead and preparing for the inevitable consequences of the […]

The Commercial Court in JSC BTA Bank v Mukhtar Ablyazov and others [2011] EWHC 202 (Comm) has refused to stay proceedings brought by a Kazakh bank against its former Chairman. The bank had been nationalised in February 2009, and the defendant was previously its Chairman and a political opponent of the Kazakh government. The claim […]

This is the sad tale of the £11 million refurbishment project at Hackney Empire Theatre. Following the insolvency of its main contractor, Sunley Turiff Construction, it was left facing a £3.2 million hole in its finances. The new theatre’s first season of productions and the Christmas pantomime had to be cancelled and tickets refunded. You […]

The recent Court of Appeal decision in the case of Scullion v Bank of Scotland [2011] EWCA Civ 693, reversing the first instance decision, has clarified the law relating to duties of care owed by surveyors engaged by a lender to provide a valuation for a buy to let property. Facts Mr Scullion, a plasterer […]