Since Brexit, UK corporate immigration rules have changed significantly, impacting how businesses recruit international talent. This is primarily due to the end of free movement, which now requires EU citizens to obtain visas for employment. The introduction of a...
(GBM) routes were introduced to support international businesses looking to establish or expand in the UK. These visa categories provide flexibility for multinational companies to transfer staff. Overview of GBM Routes The Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes provide...
A Shareholder Agreement may not be legally required, but its value to a company should never be underestimated. Although it may be overlooked in an effort to save money and time, failing to have one in place can sometimes lead to disagreements among shareholders that...
The UK Skilled Worker visa is a crucial pathway for businesses seeking to hire talent from overseas. This visa route allows employers to fill skilled roles that cannot be met by the domestic workforce. Here’s a comprehensive guide for employers on how to navigate the...
Ensuring that employees have the legal right to work in the UK is a fundamental responsibility for all employers, helping businesses remain compliant with immigration laws and avoid severe penalties. Right-to-work checks are a legal requirement designed to prevent...
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (‘ECCTA’) became law on 26th October 2023. This is an important change in how businesses are managed and how economic crime is tackled in the UK. It builds on a previous law from 2022 that introduced a register for...
The UK Sponsorship Licence is essential for businesses looking to hire skilled workers from abroad. Without it, employers cannot legally sponsor non-UK workers. This article provides insights into how businesses can obtain and maintain a sponsorship licence. What is a...
At Carter Bond, we understand that any intervention from your regulatory body can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Our dedicated healthcare litigation team is here to guide and support you through this challenging time, ensuring that your professional...
If you are drafting a Shareholder Agreement, there is a lot to consider and many factors to keep in mind. It can be all too easy to overlook vital components and make mistakes that can prove costly in the long run. Here, we take a look at some common pitfalls to avoid...
The Madrid System is a globally recognised framework designed to simplify the process of protecting trademarks across multiple countries. By harmonizing international intellectual property (IP) legislation with domestic laws, it offers businesses a streamlined and...
Settlement Agreements are legally binding documents once they have been signed by both parties. It is therefore crucial to understand the potential consequences if the Settlement Agreement is breached. Regardless of which party breaches the Agreement, there are...
Statutory registers are records that companies must keep by law. They document key information about a company's structure, ownership and management. Statutory registers are also referred to as "company registers" or “statutory books” provide transparency and...
Cole Palmer, the rising star of Chelsea and England's football scene, is not just making waves on the pitch. The young midfielder is taking steps to secure his legacy and capitalise on his burgeoning popularity by trademarking his now-iconic goal celebration. The...
Under English law, there is no legal requirement to have a written partnership agreement if you’re going into business with another person. The act of carrying out business with someone else actually means you are legally considered partners under the Partnership Act...
When registering a trademark, one key decision is whether to do so under your individual name or your company name. This choice has significant implications for ownership, control, taxation, and future business strategies. Below, we outline the pros and cons of each...
Although due diligence is, generally speaking, intended to protect the buyer, it is equally important for the seller when negotiating the sale of a business, as it can streamline completion of the sale. Here, we give an overview of the areas of due diligence specific...
If you are registering your company’s trademark, you will need to pay certain fees in order to do so. Directly registering your trademark with UKIPO (The UK Intellectual Property Office) will incur an application fee which stands currently at £170 when making your...
If your business has spent time and effort in developing its brand, trademark infringement could pose a significant threat to your organisation. It is, therefore, crucial to register your trademark to ensure optimal protection for your brand as well as the services...
There are many circumstances in which obtaining independent legal advice is advisable or even essential in order to ensure optimal protection for the rights, well-being, and interests of the individuals who are involved in the legal situation or transaction....
Trademarks cannot be registered in the UK if they do not meet all of the appropriate criteria as set out by UKIPO. There are certain grounds on which the registration of a trademark may be refused. A Lack Of Distinctiveness If your trademark does not contain elements...
A management buyout (MBO) occurs when a company’s existing management team purchases the business from the owner(s). While this process can be complex, with the right advisors and investors, an MBO can lead to a successful long-term acquisition. How an MBO Works MBOs...
On paper, trademarking a colour or sound might appear straightforward, provided that statutory and case law guidelines are adhered to. However, in practice, achieving such a trademark is often fraught with challenges—chiefly due to competition. The Case of Cadbury’s...
While there are no legal requirements to put a Shareholder Agreement in place, all companies that have two or more shareholders should have one. Shareholder Agreements minimise the possibility of disputes arising between shareholders as they provide procedures and a...
Many business owners remain unclear about the liquidation process and the role of a liquidator. By understanding the circumstances that trigger liquidation and the powers of a liquidator, business owners can better navigate insolvency challenges. When Does Liquidation...
While registering your company’s trademark is important, it is imperative to understand that your registration will not last forever. The process of registering your trademark can take between three and four months, or longer if any objection is raised. However, once...
While hiring a company secretary is no longer legally required, many private limited companies opt to do so because of the critical tasks this role covers. As providers of company secretarial services, we understand the substantial value a company secretary adds to...
When it comes to drafting a Shareholder Agreement, there are several key components that must be considered and included within the provisions. Here, we take a closer look at some of these vital elements. Shareholder Names Shareholder Agreements are business...
While due diligence primarily protects buyers, it is equally crucial for sellers during the sale of a business. Effective due diligence can facilitate a smoother transaction. Identifying the key areas of due diligence specific to selling a dental practice, will...
Your trademark registration remains valid for a period of ten years from the initial date of filing your application, however it must be renewed once that period has elapsed in order to maintain its ongoing protection. Failure to renew your trademark registration will...
Squatting is a term used to refer to people entering and staying in a building or land without the legal owner’s consent, which is illegal in the UK and squatters can be arrested, fined or both under current legislation. Individuals occupying a dwelling unlawfully can...
At first glance, franchising offers clear advantages: for those expanding their business, it can be a smart way to grow, while for potential franchisees, it seems like an accessible path to success, leveraging an established brand and reputation. However, careful...
Trademarks are an intellectual property form that businesses use to ensure their brand can be easily identified by consumers. A trademark also allows a company to be distinguished from other businesses. The purpose of a trademark is to ensure a customer can...
When faced with the difficult decision to dismiss an employee for misconduct or poor performance, it’s crucial to follow established procedures to minimise the risk of disputes and litigation. Here are key steps to ensure a fair process: Never Act on Impulse Avoid...
A Settlement Agreement is a legally binding document once it has been signed. However, as long as the document remains unsigned by one or both parties, either party is entitled to cancel or withdraw from the agreement. If the Settlement Agreement has already been...
There are many instances in which obtaining independent legal advice may be either essential or advisable and therefore, knowing where you can contact a suitably qualified professional could not be more important. Find a Solicitor If you are in need of independent...
When buying a business, there are many important legal considerations to take into account and lots of pitfalls to look out for—even more so when buying a pharmacy. This is because the pharmacy industry is highly regulated, and pharmacy owners are legally bound to...
Your company’s trademark can be one of its key assets, helping to retain and attract customer loyalty while creating added value for your brand. While you are not legally obliged to register your trademark, it makes sense to do so in order to protect your company....
Litigation can be a lengthy, costly and stressful process. In this article I will discuss why litigation might not always be the best option and what other options are available to you. It is often tempting in cases of dispute to start thinking about legal...
Once a Settlement Agreement is signed by both parties, it becomes a legally binding document, and withdrawing from the Agreement is then no longer possible. It is, therefore, crucial to carefully consideration the implications of signing the document and seek expert...
In May 2023, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 received Royal Ascent, making it unlawful for employers in the hospitality industry to withhold tips from their employees. This legislation is seen as a positive step forward for workers’ rights and will help...
Buying a pharmacy can be an exciting but complex endeavour, especially if you’re new to the process. Here are essential factors to consider before when taking the plunge: Money talks… When considering a pharmacy purchase, you will need to delve into the financial...
You can register a variety of symbols and signs in the UK as trademarks as long as they meet specific criteria. Words These trademarks consist of numbers, letters or words. They may be a slogan, brand name, or combination of words to uniquely identify the company or...
To successfully register your trademark in the UK there are certain requirements that must be met. Failure to meet any one of these will result in your registration application being rejected. Distinctiveness Your trademark must be unique enough to distinguish your...
Settlement Agreements are legally binding documents once they have been signed by both parties. It is therefore crucial to understand the potential consequences if the Settlement Agreement is breached. Either party may breach the Settlement Agreement, but there are...
Every company intends to be financially successful, however, there are times when a company experiences financial distress. This can include being unable to make repayments on debts or where the value of the company is lower than the financial liabilities the company...
Obtaining independent legal advice is not only advisable in many cases, but sometimes essential. The cost of seeking this advice will vary depending on a number of key factors. Complexity and Nature of the Matter Firstly, and most importantly, the nature and...
Lending money to a friend or family member often results in issues like late payments or accusations of non payment. Nonetheless, there may come a time when you are asked to give a loan to a friend or family member, so here are seven key points to consider as the...
DBS checks, or Disclosure and Barring Service checks are designed to help employers make a safe decision when they recruit staff. Within the dental industry this is particularly important since employees work with vulnerable adults and children. DBS checks...
ILA or Independent Legal Advice is advice that is supplied by a qualified solicitor who is entirely independent of conflicting or opposing interests and, therefore, will not be tempted to sway you in any particular direction when making a decision. They will be...
In the UK, confidentiality agreements are often referred to as non disclosure agreements (or NDAs), and they can offer critical protection for your businesses and as individuals. need to safeguard trade secrets, sensitive information and confidential data when working...
