Expert Analysis

• Protecting Reputation In The Age Of Shareholder Activism

  

  With the rise in investors using equity ownership to influence the management of a company, shareholder activism has taken on fresh impetus, and general counsel have a critical part to play in safeguarding an organization's reputation by engaging in open communication and implementing effective corporate governance, says Neil McLeod at The PHA Group.

• Factors Driving Increased Litigation Against European Cos.

  

  European government regulation and enforcement, economic inflation and litigation funding are driving an increase in litigation, especially class actions, against corporations in Europe, a trend that seems to be here to stay, says Henning Schaloske at Clyde & Co.

• US-EU Plan On AI Illustrates Differing Opinions On Regulation

  

  While the recently announced U.S.-EU voluntary code of conduct for artificial intelligence demonstrates a commitment to deliberate management of the technology, differing views on AI regulation in both regions — and globally — highlight the challenges of achieving a universal solution, say attorneys at Dechert.

• EU Ruling Sets Antitrust Analysis For Vertical Price-Fixing

  

  The European Court of Justice's recent ruling in Super Bock v. Autoridade da Concorrência marks a significant step forward by introducing well-established EU competition law principles in the context of vertical price-fixing agreements, and seems to align with the U.S. approach, say lawyers at McDermott.

• What Venezuelan Gold Fight Means For UK One Voice Doctrine

  

  The Court of Appeal's judgment in Deutsche Bank v. Central Bank of Venezuela clarifies the application of the "one voice" doctrine to foreign court judgments, highlighting that the reasoning depends on the recognition or nonrecognition of a head of state or government that is contrary to the U.K. government's position, say lawyers at Latham.

• The Importance Of A Proactive Approach To Workplace Safety

  

  Two recent Crown Court cases regarding gross negligence manslaughter highlight the costs of failing to prioritize safety at work, which should act as a catalyst for companies to review and update their health and safety policies, say lawyers at Fieldfisher.

• How Conflict Management Can Prevent Arbitration Disputes

  

  Recent International Chamber of Commerce guidance highlights that thinking beyond traditional arbitration and litigation can deliver huge benefits for businesses, which should be proactive in utilizing mediation, evaluations and expert determinations to expedite resolution and reduce costs, says Jennifer Haywood at Serle Court.

• Loot Box Regulation In Europe Could Benefit From Reform

  

  In light of recent court rulings concerning video game loot boxes, authorities across Europe are taking increasing note of this mechanism, yet with a coordinated approach, appropriate regulations and a focus on enforcement, there is no need to issue a ban, say Elia Kim and Hazal Kirci at Simmons & Simmons.

• Rare UK Ruling Offers Clarity On Business-To-Consumer Arb.

  

  In an unusual ruling, the High Court recently refused to enforce a foreign-seated arbitration award in Payward v. Chechetkin — as doing so would be contrary to public policy — which is an important reminder for businesses to tailor dispute resolution provisions to the needs of specific consumers, say Charlie Morgan and Elizabeth Kantor at Herbert Smith.

• Why Workplace Menstruation And Menopause Support Matters

  

  The British Standards Institution's recent workplace standard on menstruation, menstrual health and menopause marks a new chapter in combating age- and gender-based employment inequalities, and employers play a huge role in facilitating inclusive workplaces to attract, retain and support women of all ages, says Kathleen Riach at Glasgow University.

• Pension Trustee Case Could Lead To Fossil Fuels Divestment

  

  While the recent Court of Appeal case McGaughey v. Universities Superannuation Scheme attempts to link fossil fuel investment by trustees to significant risk of financial detriment, it is concerning that two out of 470,000 scheme members could be permitted to bring a claim without ensuring that other members are represented, says Anna Metadjer at Kingsley Napley.

• Outbound Screening May Be Next EU Investment Control Step

  

  Following the European Commission’s recent commitment to reduce dependence on third countries by developing an outbound investment review mechanism, it will be interesting to see whether member states will take a united stand or whether national security interests will trump such an approach, say Christoph Barth and Neil Hoolihan at Linklaters.

• Barclays Ruling Narrows Banks' Fraud Recovery Duty

  

  The U.K. Supreme Court's recent ruling in Philipp v. Barclays decided against the so-called Quincecare duty's application in authorized push payment fraud, shining light on how banks should balance their responsibility to follow customers' instructions against making reasonable inquiries, say lawyers at Ontier.

• EU Decision Adds To Growing Right Of Access Case Law

  

  The European Court of Justice recently confirmed in Pankki S the broad scope of the right to access under the General Data Protection Regulation, including data processed before the regulation came into operation, which may pose a burden in terms of cost and time for organizations with long-standing clients, say Thibaut D'hulst, Dariusz Kloza and Danica Fong at Van Bael & Bellis.

• How The Law Must Change To Accommodate Digital Assets

  

  The Law Commission's recent report shows that the common law of England and Wales is well suited to adapt to digital assets, and with targeted statutory reform to unlock the possibility of recognizing property in intangible things, the U.K. can become an ideal hub for parties to transact with emerging technology, says Sarah Green at the commission.