UK Knowledge Collection | Copyright and AI, ESG, and Regulatory Outlook

The government has published its much-anticipated response to its consultation on copyright and AI. It has stepped back from its previously expressed policy preference but has not indicated a new preferred approach. Our Insight looks at the implications, as all policy options remain on the table. The government will conduct further information gathering on licensing, transparency, enforcement and copyright protection for computer-generated works, and will consult further on digital replicas and the potential introduction of a new personality right. At the end of April, our IP team will consider recent cases on copyright and generative AI models in Europe as part of our Future of IP webinar series.

The government has also published its final UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, which are now available for voluntary use. In the EU, the First Omnibus simplification package has progressed, as the directive amending corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence rules has come into force.  Our ESG Knowledge Update gives an overview of these and other developments, and our webinar in mid-April will cover the main ESG-related regulatory changes affecting business.

Our March Regulatory Outlook covers 19 areas of business compliance, including AI, ESG and the employment law reforms coming into force next month. On 9 April, our employment experts are hosting a webinar on how to prepare for the further reforms expected later this year and next.

Recent Insights

Regulatory Outlook

This month's edition includes the employment law reforms coming into force on 6 April, developments on age assurance and online safety, and a cyber security alert from the National Cyber Security Centre.
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ESG Knowledge Update

Highlights include the publication of the UK's final Sustainability Reporting Standards, a consultation on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and the EU's simplification of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
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UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard sets out unified framework for operational buildings

A new industry standard defines what qualifies as a net zero carbon aligned building, covering a broad range of sectors and building types. While currently voluntary, it has the potential to give the property sector some much-needed consistency on how to measure sustainability.
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Middle East conflict raises coverage considerations for insurance policyholders

Policyholders with assets in the region should carefully review their policy wording, as the conflict raises important coverage questions for multiple insurance types.
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Opted out: UK government moves away from preferred position on AI and copyright following report

The government has published its long-awaited report on copyright and artificial intelligence, alongside an economic impact assessment of the policy options.
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Events

Eating Compliance for Breakfast

09:00-09:30
A webinar series providing a comprehensive overview of updates to essential legislation.
Employment Rights Act 2025: what employers and agencies should do now | 9 April
ESG: what do you need to know for 2026? | 16 April
Class actions: the new litigation risk landscape | 30 April
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The future of IP

16:00-16:45
A series of webinars exploring the latest trends and cases in the world of intellectual property.
Navigating the new EU Digital Regulation landscape | 14 April
UPC long-arm jurisdiction: inside and outside the system | 21 April
Getty, GEMA and generative models | 28 April
Trade mark trends | 12 May
Trade secret protection: a pan-European perspective | 19 May
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Power Play Live: resolving disputes in renewable energy projects

29 April 2026 | One London Wall | 15:00-17:00
An event exploring how to resolve disputes and claims that may arise from the development of a renewable energy project.
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