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Covid-19: Contact Tracing and Data Protection in the Workplace
Minimising contact is seen as vital to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Employers have a very significant role to play in the process but it can be challenging balancing up privacy and data laws with the need to protect other employees. Here’s a...
Covid-19: Considering Redundancies as Furlough Scheme Closes
The furlough scheme is credited with saving many jobs, supporting businesses while they navigated the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. However, the scheme was never intended to stretch on forever, and businesses are now contemplating what the future looks like as...
Covid-19 Update: Introducing a Voluntary Code of Practice for Commercial Property
COVID-19 has forced the government to act rapidly, bringing in swingeing changes in a number of sectors. Many anticipated a new code of practice would be forthcoming for the commercial property sector, with the expectation that it would be mandatory. What arrived on...
Covid-19 Update: Employer FAQs
The government has issued advice to employer on how to manage COVID-19 and the support that is available. While this is subject to change at little notice, these FAQs are based on the latest information published and cover some of the areas which haven’t been as...
Covid-19 Update: Debt Recovery Is Still Possible Despite Moratorium
The COVID-19 crisis has led to financial concerns for many businesses so it wasn’t a surprise when the Insolvency and Corporate Governance Bill was read in Parliament on 20 May 2020. Known as the ICG Bill, it placed a moratorium on winding-up petitions to prevent a...
How Should You Deal With A Trade Mark Copycat?
Brand loyalty and awareness are very important for all types of business, however, the more consumers recognise a brand, the more likely that brand is to experience infringement by competitors. Trade mark copycats are, therefore, relatively commonplace. Designing a...
What Is Trade Mark Passing Off?
If you are using a trade mark for your business or organisation which has not been registered you still have some rights under common law. While it is always best to register your trade mark, unregistered rights receive protection under the tort of passing off. This...
Remedies For Trade Mark Infringement
If a third party has been using your registered trade mark without your authorisation, you can obtain remedies for the infringement of your mark. A trade mark’s owner is eligible to recover damages that relate to the acts of trade mark infringement in question. These...
Calculating Losses And Damages For Trade Mark Infringement
A trade mark’s owner may recover damages that relate to any acts of infringement. The amounts that can be received in such cases will depend on how the damages and losses are calculated. Taking professional advice is therefore important in order for the claimant to...
Lease Extensions and Rent Variation: the Impact on VAT and Stamp Duty
Have you made changes to the rent or lease on a commercial property rental contract? Check our guidance to HMRC rules about VAT and stamp duty liability. Lease extensions and rent variations are nothing new, but the recent pandemic has brought them under the...