Insights

Smart Power | Planning considerations, transition to SONIA and RPI rent review clauses

Welcome to the second edition of Smart Power, Osborne Clarke's specialist service for asset managers within the green energy sector.

HFSS Foods: New restrictions in the UK

The Queen's Speech has confirmed plans for new restrictions in the UK on foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.

Smart Power | Asset optimisation and risk management

Welcome to the first edition of Smart Power, Osborne Clarke's specialist service for asset managers within the green energy sector. Please watch our launch video below to find out more.

How to label and advertise non-alcoholic drinks across Europe

Non-alcoholic drinks are a huge growth area, but are subject to very different marketing regulations in different countries

Is the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act moratorium working?

Low uptake of the new insolvency moratorium could change as lockdown is lifted and lenders pursue debt

UK/EU Trade Mark Essentials for US Stakeholders

Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Daniel Ramos and Senior Associate, Anna Rawlings, take a high level look at UK and EU trade mark law and procedure in comparison to the US…

Repurposing Retail – Turnover Rents (Trends and Drafting)

Looking at the latest developments in turnover leases and concessions

OC Consumer Briefing | What implications does the New Deal for Consumers have for the “dual quality” products sold in the EU and what steps do businesses need to take to comply?

The New Deal for Consumers introduces new legislation designed to protect consumers from receiving goods which are of an inferior quality to those sold in other member states – so-called…

Event note | Workforce Solutions sector M&A – what’s happening in current deals in the US and UK?

On 9 March Osborne Clarke hosted, in association with Paul Pincus of New York law firm Ortoli Rosenstadt, a webinar looking at M&A trends in the US and UK in…

Environmental Claims – Is it time for the food and beverage industry across Europe to reconsider these claims?

Katie Vickery, Gaëlle Saint-Jalmes, Samuel Martinez, Louis Hoffreumon and Katrina Anderson discuss the international legal position in relation to Environmental Claims, comparing recent case law and restrictions in the UK, France, Spain and Belgium.

Plus X and the future of work

The future of the office is a key issue for many of our clients right now as demand for flexible office space accelerates. We've been working with the Plus X…

An Update on CBD – Drug or Food?

Katie Vickery, Gaëlle Saint-Jalmes and Katrina Anderson discuss the latest developments in CBD and food including the implications of the KannaVape case and the UN CND vote on the Single…

Is banning ads for so-called “Junk Food” online the way forward?

Katie Vickery and Katrina Anderson discuss the government's plans and what the proposals mean for online platforms, websites and food businesses.

How will the National Security and Investment Bill impact tech deals?

The UK government has published its much-anticipated National Security and Investment Bill, which creates a new stand-alone regime for it to intervene in a broad range of transactions on national…

Crown preference in insolvencies: what is changing, and why does it matter

On 1 December 2020 the Crown, in respect of certain taxes, will be promoted from ordinary unsecured creditor status to preferential creditor status in the insolvency distribution waterfall. That will…

What are the implications of the government’s proposed ban on so-called junk food advertising for business?

Nick Johnson and Katrina Anderson discuss the UK government's recent announcement that it is proposing to ban adverts for foods high in fat salt or sugar (HFSS) including what this…

Recession proof, but can co-living be pandemic proof?

Many commentators in the co-living industry consider the asset class to be recession proof, but can it adapt sufficiently to become pandemic proof?

Alternative Residential | COVID has shown that community spirit is key to success. But how do you create it?

The creation of a community has always been the distinguishing feature of the Alternative Residential market but how do operators go about creating and developing a sense of community? What…

Business Continuity in a Crisis: practical steps and legal guidance

As we settle into the business environment created by COVID-19, it is crucial that companies dedicate their efforts to business continuity.

Preparing Net Zero: What are the policies needed in this Parliament?

Simon Hobday joins Shell, Drax and Energy institute to discuss the policies needed to deliver net zero. On Wednesday 29 March 2020, Simon Hobday formed part of a panel at Aurora's…

Q&A | Employment law issues and practical considerations during the COVID-19 crisis

COVID-19 is creating new challenges for employers - and employment law.

IP after Brexit: consequences and checklists

Brexit has consequences for intellectual property in the UK. Our Insight draws together some of the headline issues alongside actions to consider during the transition period and beyond.

Podcast | Lawyers for International Coliving Expansion | Jonathan Mills & Tim Rezendes

Jonathan Mills and Tim Rezendes were recently guests on The Coliving Code Show podcast. This show is a passion project of Christine McDannell, the Co-founder of Kndrd, the first management…

Large corporates | HMRC’s power to collect data from large businesses

In this series of videos Ian Hyde, the head of our tax disputes team, talks to Adrian Lifely about the tax compliance burdens HMRC have put on large businesses to…

Large corporates: Off payroll workers and the reforms of IR35

In this series of videos Ian Hyde, the head of our tax disputes team, talks to Adrian Lifely about the tax compliance burdens HMRC have put on large businesses to…

Straight to the Point of Dispute Resolution | What you need to know about deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs)

In the latest 'Straight to the Point of Dispute Resolution' video disputes Partner, Adrian Lifely talks to Head of Business Crime, Jeremy Summers about Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs). Read the…

Large corporates: The effects of “failure to prevent tax evasion” tax offences on the gig economy

In this series of videos Ian Hyde, the head of our tax disputes team, talks to Adrian Lifely about the tax compliance burdens HMRC have put on large businesses to…

Tech trends in 2020 and beyond

As technological innovation and digital transformation continue at a ferocious pace, a joint Osborne Clarke / Deloitte event, held at OC in London, identified some of the trends we expect…

Large Corporates: HMRC and the gig economy

In this series of videos Ian Hyde, the head of our tax disputes team, talks to Adrian Lifely about the tax compliance burdens HMRC have put on large businesses to…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: What’s different about tax disputes?

Ian Hyde and Adrian Lifely discuss how dispute resolution applies when it comes to tax disputes.

What is the impact of Alternative Residential in the Real Estate market?

Osborne Clarke's International Real Estate and Infrastructure Sector Lead Conrad Davies and Head of Alternative Residential Nadine Strahl discuss the drive in demand for Alternative Residential and the opportunities and…

Communications Review 2019 – looking back and looking forward

On 5 November 2019 we held our annual Communications Review 2019, where experts from our London, Bristol and Thames Valley offices, along with a host of guest speakers, shared their…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: Should I use litigation funding? Part 2

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. Adrian is also a CEDR Accredited mediator. In this video, Adrian dives deeper…

European renewables, market developments and investing opportunities

Osborne Clarke's Matthew Lewis speaks to Foresight Group's Carly Magee and Charlie Wright about current trends in the renewable energy sector, challenges for international investors and what Foresight is focusing…

Essential steps to take when setting up a food business in Germany and the UK

There are substantial differences in setting up a food business in Germany and the UK. Osborne Clarke experts Katie Vickery and Katharina Müller discuss the correct procedure businesses should follow…

What is the relevance of ESG and diversity in investment decisions?

In an interview with Foresight Group, Matthew Lewis and Elena Palasmith discuss how Foresight are incorporating ESG into their investment decision-making, what Foresight see for ESG in 2020 and beyond…

The impact of no deal Brexit on food products

In a no deal Brexit, how would EU food be sold into the UK? …And some possible solutions.

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: Should I use litigation funding?

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. Adrian is also a CEDR Accredited mediator. In this video, Adrian considers the pros…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: ADR reform part 2

Should mediation be compulsory?

Is the end in sight for CBD as a food ingredient? It’s a question of novelty.

Food law experts Katie Vickery and Katrina Anderson discuss the popular topic of CBD or Cannabidiol, one of the extracts from cannabis and its application in the food industry.

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: ADR reform

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. Adrian is also a CEDR Accredited mediator. In these videos, you can find out…

The Digital Revolution: Fundamentals of robotics

Robotics, physical automation, is as old as the first industrial revolution. But what's the current state of the art?

The Digital Revolution: Fundamentals of additive manufacturing/3D printing

How is additive manufacturing/3D printing changing the way that businesses make things? Catherine Hammon, Digital Transformation Knowledge Lawyer, and Ashley Morgan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer, discuss the ways in which this…

Lab grown meat. Would you call it meat?

'Cultured' or 'Clean' meat (and other novelty foods) are on their way to market but to be successful they will need to be labelled in a way which consumers still…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: Singapore Mediation Convention – the enforcement

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. Adrian is also a CEDR Accredited mediator. Find out what you need to…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: Singapore Mediation Convention – what you need to know

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. Adrian is also a CEDR Accredited mediator. Find out what you need to…

What are the proposed new advertising restrictions for so called “junk food”?

Advertising "junk food" is likely to become much more restricted – with truly surprising and far-reaching consequences. If this is your market, hear about the proposed changes and take action…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: Why should I settle out of court?

Watch the latest video in our series on dispute resolution

Is the proposed Agriculture Bill a fresh start for UK farming?

Katrina Anderson and Marc Shrimpling discuss the possibilities arising from the need to replace the EU's CAP (Common Agricultural Policy).

Commonhold – where are we now?

In this video Matt Ashley and Emma Moscoso look at the current commonhold reform process and its implications for those who own and operate leasehold sites. They review: what commonhold…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: how to prepare for a mediation

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. In this video, Adrian shares his top tips on preparing for a mediation.

Allergens and Food Labelling – DEFRA consultation 2019

Katie Vickery and Katrina Anderson discuss the government's proposals for allergens disclosure on prepacked for direct sale products.

Straight to the point of dispute resolution: is litigation or arbitration better?

Adrian Lifely is a Partner at Osborne Clarke specialising in complex international arbitration and in commercial litigation. In this video, he explores whether litigation or arbitration is better.

Responding to dawn raids: seven top tips

Businesses across all sectors can be subject to raids or investigations from a variety of enforcement agencies.

Sugar reformulation | Does a little less sugar still make the medicine go down?

Katrina Anderson talks about the challenges of talking to consumers about sugar reduction.

Key issues in the new European Electronic Communications Code

The European Electronic Communications Code was enacted in December 2018 and recasts the existing European telecoms frameworks. Hannah Drew and Katherine Kirrage discuss what it means for communications businesses and…

Straight to the point of dispute resolution

Osborne Clarke Disputes Partner, Adrian Lifely introduces ‘Straight to the point of dispute resolution’, a series of two minutes videos answering key questions around dispute resolution and mediation, and sharing…

The rise of Gluten: the do’s and dont’s of Gluten Free foods (the USA vs Europe)

As more gluten-free products hit the shelves, the rules around how these products are labelled is becoming an increasingly hot topic. We sit down with Alex Koff from Venable in…

The spirit of the law: looking ahead to the future of alcohol labelling

Alcohol labels have long benefited from exceptions to food labelling law but change may be coming. The European Commission and UK government are calling on industry to voluntarily comply with…

The Digital Revolution: Fundamentals of virtual, mixed and augmented reality

Catherine Hammon, Digital Revolution Knowledge Lawyer, and Ashley Morgan, Senior Knowledge Lawyer, discuss the fundamentals of virtual, mixed and augmented reality and the legal issues surrounding them. Watch our full…

Advertising foods high in fat, salt & sugar?

We look at how to make these adverts more appealing to the ASA.

The Santa Claus-e: a guide to compliant festive food advertising

Santa Claus is a familiar fixture in seasonal food advertisement. As well as bringing us toys on Christmas Eve, he also brings us great deals on fizzy drinks, turkey and…

Cyber security in connected consumer devices: are you complying with the new code of practice?

Catherine Hammon and Katie Vickery explore the potential ramifications that the new DCMS code of practice for connected consumer devices may have for businesses.

When is “natural” not natural? It might just depend on which side of the pond you are

As the attractiveness of 'natural' and 'organic' products continues to increase, we explore the legal implications of making "natural" claims on products – and we compare the restrictions and guidance…

Osborne Clarke in 180 seconds

Osborne Clarke is a future-focused international legal practice with over 850 talented lawyers and more than 260 expert Partners in 25 locations. We help clients across eight core industry sectors…

TOP SECRET! Practical tips for protecting trade secrets in the food & drink sector

The Trade Secrets Directive implemented earlier this year has introduced a number of changes into UK law including a new definition of trade secrets. In this short video, Osborne Clarke's…

Next-generation connectivity: William Newton, Wiredscore

The internet “will become the fundamental lifeblood of a business… the average business loses about $300,000 for every hour that the internet goes out.”

Short-term pain, long-term gain

Dealing with a crisis can create its own risks, including complacency and "crisis fatigue". Internal investigation reports are essential, but how do you ensure that they are followed through and…

Digital transformation and risk

Cyber security is increasingly prominent and concerning for organisations - but what does this mean for supply chains? Mark Taylor and Jon Round consider the legal implications for cyber threats…

Business transparency: where risk meets reputation

Transparency – the disclosure of internal corporate information to the public – is shaping legislation and regulation across the business landscape.

Data breaches

With the protection of data under ever increasing scrutiny and threat, we looked at what you need to do if things go wrong. After highlighting post-GDPR risks and trends, including…

Next-generation connectivity: Dr Flemming Moos, Osborne Clarke

"Well, the data deluge in my opinion is both an opportunity and a threat – at least if you don't get it right."

Food waste – is it a big meal?

Minimising food waste: the legal considerations

Next-generation connectivity: Declan O’Halloran, Quintas Energy

"There is no amount of next-generation connectivity I'm not interested in - if you talk to me about 6G tomorrow, I'm interested in that already"

Next-generation connectivity: Jeff Travers, Head of IoT, Ericsson

"What's coming next is embedded connectivity: where the digital and the physical world really come together and I think that's just going to open up a whole new bunch of…

The Digital Revolution: The Internet of Things

From opening your garage door with your phone, to fridges that chill your wine to suit the weather, the growth of the Internet of Things offers huge advancements – and…

Next-generation connectivity: Our expert panel

In a series of videos, members of the discussion panel from our Next-generation connectivity report launch event explore the key findings for businesses and industry alike.

Next-generation connectivity: Jeremy Kingsley, The Economist Intelligence Unit

"I think all businesses should read the report – especially those who don't necessarily think that next-generation connectivity is relevant to them".

A whole latte trouble: will consumer pressure mean the end of plastic in retail?

The recent Blue Planet II documentary highlighted the terrible impact that plastics and other manufactured waste have on our oceans and wildlife. Since this, global brands, manufacturers and retailers are…

Could regional product adaptation shake consumer confidence in global brands?

Because Change Happens | Regional product adaptation: emerging regulations could shake consumer confidence in global brands

New rules on billing limits to avoid “bill shock”

Hannah Drew and Jon Fell discuss the new rules allowing UK mobile phone customers to apply bill caps to their accounts — what does this mean for customers, businesses and…

DCMS Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review

The Digital Revolution: Blockchain – the legal issues

Blockchain is already presenting new opportunities for businesses in a range of sectors - but how will it be regulated?

100 days of GDPR | Session 5: Security and data incidents

With increased fines for data breaches under GDPR, how have companies responded to potential data security issues?

100 days of GDPR | Session 4: HR risk

Consent, data and diversity - how has GDPR been applied in HR?

100 days of GDPR | Session 3: AI and a look into the future

100 days of GDPR | Session 2: Data Protection Officers

Appointing a Data Protection Officer: has your business got its risk assessment right?

The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) laid out the job description for a new role, that of Data Protection Office (DPO), and made the appointment mandatory in some cases.…

100 days of GDPR | Session 1: What’s actually changed?

The Digital Revolution: How blockchain works

Blockchain is emerging as a candidate for one of the major disruptive technologies of our time – but what is it exactly, and how does it work in practice?

The Digital Revolution: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

There has been a huge resurgence of interest in Artificial Intelligence – but what does this mean for the law?

Introduction to UK directors’ duties

In this video we introduce the key duties of directors of a company incorporated in the UK, looking at: the seven statutory duties the remaining non-codified duties the potential liabilities…

The Digital Revolution: transformation and disruption

Digital Revolution Knowledge Lawyer Catherine Hammon considers the disruption and transformation that new technology is bringing – along with the potential impact and legal issues that it poses. Watch our full Digital…

The politics of childhood obesity: the UK government’s plan to tackle out-of-home calories and “junk food” promotions

The government's proposals to combat childhood obesity will have far-reaching consequences in the restaurant, take away and retail food markets.

Advertising and sugar tax: Implications of the UK government’s childhood obesity strategy

What next for the Sugar Tax? Advertising Watershed? Tax? This is the need-to-know interview.

Hackitt’s report on fire safety standards: key takeaways for business

The eagerly awaited final report following the independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety led by Dame Judith Hackitt has now been published. The report recommends a step-change in…

The 10 key findings from our European Connected Consumer report

Regulatory Outlook | Competition | January 2018

Lawfulness of restricting resellers from selling luxury and technical products on online market places The long awaited Coty decision was handed down on 6 December 2017. The decision confirmed that…

Regulatory Outlook | Product regulation | January 2018

New UK legislation proposed for civil drones (small unmanned aircraft): Draft legislation is set to be published in spring 2018 setting out new rules for civil use of drones. We…

Regulatory Outlook | Regulated Procurement | January 2018

Current issues  Brexit: changes to procurement regulations: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, when enacted, will incorporate the existing corpus (or acquis) of EU law into the UK statute books, including…

What’s on the agenda for 2018 in business crime?

The last 12 months have seen significant developments in the enforcement of business crime, including important new legislative measures such as the failure to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion…

Coty judgement and third party marketplaces

As reported on 7 December, the landmark Coty judgement has given brand owners more scope to control the use of third party marketplaces in certain circumstances. Osborne Clarke’s Simon Neill…

Osborne Clarke’s recent growth and successes

Osborne Clarke’s growth and successes over the past year

[Webinar] The changing world of work – key employment law implications

In this video, Osborne Clarke’s Greg Chambers looks at the changing world of work, focusing on some key employment law considerations for what is being described as the 4th Industrial…

Webinar: Osborne Clarke discusses the recent changes in health and safety sentencing in the UK

On the anniversary of the sentencing guidelines, Osborne Clarke partnered with IOSH to report on how the penalties for health and safety, food safety and corporate manslaughter offences should be…

[Webinar] The role of HR in disciplinary proceedings

This video focuses on HR’s role in disciplinary proceedings and how to ensure HR involvement does not stray into territory that could give rise to an unfair dismissal claim.  We will…

[Webinar] Restructuring your business in the EU: cross-border issues

This video looks at key employment-law considerations when planning international business reorganisations. The focus is on France, Belgium and The Netherlands. We explain the key steps you should take to meet…

The 10 key findings from The European connected consumer: A life lived online

We're more connected than ever ... but how do consumers really feel about digital doctors, mobile payments and 3D printing? Find out more and download your copy of the report…

Osborne Clarke’s recent growth and successes

Osborne Clarke’s growth and successes over the past year

Regulatory Outlook | Regulated Procurement | January 2018

Current issues  Brexit: changes to procurement regulations: The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, when enacted, will incorporate the existing corpus (or acquis) of EU law into the UK statute books, including…

Is the property sector ready for the 2020s? Our 10 key findings

Future Proof Real Estate – Is the property sector ready for the 2020s? Our report collates the views of over 500 technology experts across Europe. It looks at the opportunities…

Business Crime Update | January 2018

  Welcome to 2018, which I hope will be a year that will bring you interesting, forward-thinking and profitable work. As enforcement agencies globally continue to focus on corporate practices,…

Regulatory Outlook | Product regulation | January 2018

New UK legislation proposed for civil drones (small unmanned aircraft): Draft legislation is set to be published in spring 2018 setting out new rules for civil use of drones. We…

Helping US clients expand overseas

Regulatory Outlook | Food Law | January 2018

Current issues  https://youtu.be/7MiHmK5qkjs European Commission requests feedback on implementing regulation for country of origin labelling of primary ingredients: The draft regulation requires products where country of origin is indicated or…

Coty judgement and third party marketplaces

As reported on 7 December, the landmark Coty judgement has given brand owners more scope to control the use of third party marketplaces in certain circumstances. Osborne Clarke’s Simon Neill…

Regulatory Outlook | Competition | January 2018

Lawfulness of restricting resellers from selling luxury and technical products on online market places The long awaited Coty decision was handed down on 6 December 2017. The decision confirmed that…