UK Knowledge Collection | Dynamic website blocking, tax reform, and building liability orders

In a positive decision for life sciences companies seeking to tackle the problem of counterfeit medicines,  the High Court has allowed an applicant seeking website blocking orders to identify target websites selling these products through a self-certification process rather than requiring a fresh court application. Importantly, although website blocking injunctions were developed in the intellectual property context, they are not limited to IP rights but also cover criminal regulatory breaches. Our Insight considers the nature of the remedy granted, and the wider significance for life science businesses. Separately, our Life Sciences Academy webinar series returns this month, with a session on how companies can build effective AI governance systems and processes.

The government is consulting on proposals to reform the taxation of distributions and repayments of capital from companies (rules which have been largely unchanged since 1965). While the proposals are targeted at income tax shareholders (individuals and trusts), they will affect corporate restructurings, especially demergers. Our Insight explores the proposals' effect on corporate transactions in more detail. The consultation closes on 14 September.   

A significant ruling by the Technology and Construction Court establishes that building liability orders under the Building Safety Act 2022 can extend to foreign associated companies. It also addresses section 149 of the Act (affecting liability through the supply chain for defective cladding), which has not previously been considered in any reported decision. Our building safety team discuss the decision.

Recent Insights

English High Court grants dynamic website blocking order to tackle counterfeit medicines

A creative solution to IP and regulatory breaches gives life sciences companies greater control over unlawful online sales.
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Government consults on wide-ranging reform of the UK distributions framework

HMRC has published a wide-ranging consultation intended to modernise the rules so that "economically similar" payments to a shareholder are taxed consistently. While it is not intended to affect corporate shareholders directly, the practical implications for a range of common restructurings are significant.
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English court rules that building liability orders can apply to foreign companies

Technology and Construction Court opens the way for developers to recover remediation costs from overseas groups.
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The Energy Transition

This week's round-up of regulatory and market developments in the UK's transition to net zero includes updates on Ofgem's licensing of transmission owners and on planning reforms for energy and data centre projects.
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Events

Immigration: Right to Work changes in 2026

9 September | Webinar | 10:00-10:45
Our immigration experts will offer a practical guide for employers using contractors, agencies and platform workers on the changes to the right to work framework coming into force on 1 October.
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Digital Regulation Download | Digital services under scrutiny

14 September | Webinar | 14:00-15:00
Online services are facing a new wave of consumer and child safety regulation. Tighter rules on social media and subscription transparency are evolving, affecting the design and marketing of digital products.
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Life Sciences Academy | AI governance in life science companies

16 September | Webinar | 16:00-17:00
A practical framework for building effective AI governance structures in life science companies, including the impact of upcoming EU AI regimes, sector-specific regulation and data protection rules.
Register now >