International

Smart contracts are one of the major developments arising out of the distributed ledger and are intended to simplify how contracts are made and executed.   This briefing considers what they are and how they fit into the law of contract. What are smart contracts? There is no standard, generally accepted definition of smart contracts but […]

On 26 April, the UK ratified the EU’s Unified Patent Court (UPC) agreement. Although much of intellectual property law and practice is already harmonised amongst EU member states, a UPC would set up a common patent court for the hearing of intellectual property cases, and the direct applicability of its rulings, across all EU member […]

Fladgate LLP acted for AuVert Mining Group Limited in relation to the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Ulloa Recursos Naturales S.A.S , a Colombian entity, from AIM listed mineral exploration and development company Bezant Resources Plc. Ulloa holds alluvial platinum and gold licences located in the Choco region of Colombia. Corporate partner […]

The Asset Management Market Study carried out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) raised concerns about weak price competition and the ability of investors to seek the best value. Therefore the FCA has decided to introduce new rules and guidance applicable to authorised fund managers (AFMs) in respect of their management of authorised funds subject […]

In the recent Court of Appeal judgment of Okpabi v Royal Dutch Shell Plc[1], the court examined the issue of whether there was an arguable case that Royal Dutch Shell (Shell), as the UK parent company of a Nigerian subsidiary, owed a duty of care to those affected by oil leaks from pipelines and associated […]

This quarterly round-up looks into some of the main regulatory developments and trends in fintech regulation during the first quarter of 2018. Moves to regulate The appetite of governments and supervisors to regulate the crypto-world is increasing and, although short-term the position remains uncertain, it is clear that regulation is on its way. Within the […]

Last month we reported on the increasing drive in English litigation towards alternative means of resolving disputes, including proposals for the increased use of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). Now, the European Commission has published a report on the function of its online European Dispute Resolution platform, launched in January 2016.  Interestingly, the report reveals that […]

How do you commence an LCIA arbitration if you have claims under several similar contracts against one party? Can you really get two LCIA arbitrations for the price of one? The recent decision by the Commercial Court highlights a trap into which the unwary could fall. In A v B [2017] EWHC 3417 (Comm), B […]

Die Zahlungsunfähigkeit der Carillion Gruppe, eines der größten britischen Bau- und Serviceunternehmen im Januar 2018, illustriert die Notwendigkeit, sich frühzeitig mit den vertraglichen Regeln für den Fall einer Insolvenz des Vertragspartners vertraut zu machen. Oftmals geht es nicht nur um Fragen eines Zahlungsausfalls. Sowie eine drohende Insolvenz bekannt wird, sollten die Verträge mit dem relevanten […]

Introduction The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill (informally known as the “Great Repeal Bill”) passed its third reading in the House of Commons on 17 January. While the bill has still to complete its passage through the House of Lords, it is unlikely to undergo significant further amendment. What impact will the bill, when enacted, have […]

The answer, according to the European Parliament’s recent report on the impact of Brexit on freedom, security and justice, is “yes”. The report notes the wide-ranging implications for individuals and businesses with commercial or personal ties to the UK and any other EU member state who are facing uncertainty over cooperation between the UK and […]

Der Brexit steht bevor: Großbritannien wird voraussichtlich am 29.03.2019 die EU und aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach auch die europäische Wirtschaftsunion (EWR) verlassen. Eine verlängerte Austrittsphase bis Ende 2020 wird derzeit verhandelt, ist aber ungewiss. Der Austritt Großbritanniens aus der EU wird unter anderem zur Folge haben, dass im Hinblick auf englische Unternehmen die derzeit geltende Rechtsprechung […]