UK Knowledge Collection | Employment law reforms, Unified Patent Court, and cybersecurity in the autonomous vehicle sector
Published on 20th March 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
A number of changes under the Employment Rights Act will come into force on 6 April, and the government has published several consultations in relation to the future implementation of further employment law reforms. Our Insight looks at what is about to come into force. Our employment team is presenting a webinar, on 9 April, covering what employers should consider when preparing for the reforms scheduled for later this year and next.
An important decision from the Unified Patent Court (UPC) rules on the enforcement of its orders and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance, giving non-binding guidance on enforcement in non-UPC territories. The court drew a clear distinction between the question of its long-arm jurisdiction and whether, having exercised it, it is enforceable in the non-UPC territory concerned. Our Insight looks at the implications for multinational corporate groups and organisations facing UPC enforcement proceedings. Our "Future of IP" webinar series includes a session on the UPC's long-arm jurisdiction and how national courts are reacting to it (including the judicial tensions revealed in the dispute between Amazon and Interdigital).
Cybersecurity requirements for business are actively evolving across the EU and UK. Our Insight looks at the particular considerations affecting connected and autonomous vehicle manufacturers, and their supply chains, following the EU's publication of a risk assessment identifying 14 top risks.
Recent Insights
Employment Law Coffee Break
Our round-up for employers includes the latest legislative reforms and new government guidance on supporting women in the workplace.
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Retracting the long arm? UPC clarifies territorial scope of enforcement orders and imposes heavy penalties for non-compliance
A recent decision provides important guidance on enforcement issues in the Unified Patent Court, an area where case law remains limited.
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Cybersecurity in the connected and autonomous vehicle supply chain: the EU's ICT supply chain security toolbox and cyber risk assessment
The risk assessment, conducted under the revised Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2), sends a clear message: cybersecurity is no longer a compliance formality.
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HM Treasury responds to the Financial Ombudsman Service reform consultation
The response confirms a significant, though not completely transformative, package of legislative changes to be delivered.
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The Energy Transition
Our update on the UK's transition to net zero covers the latest auction for electricity capacity, demand connection reforms, the infrastructure pipeline, and more.
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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.
Product regulation: packaging and food | 26 March
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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Assignments and subletting: a practical guide for landlords and tenants
25 March | 09:30-10:30
A look at traps for unwary landlords and tenants when dealing with applications for consent, including lease restrictions, legal tests, the consent application process, conditionality, and avoiding delays and disputes.
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Navigating the authorisations process for cryptoassets
26 March | 08:30-10:30
A roundtable with the Financial Conduct Authority explores the cryptoassets authorisations regime and process ahead of its coming into force in October 2026.
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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
23 April 2026 | One London Wall | 15:00-17:00
Our Construction and Engineering Disputes team host an event exploring how to resolve disputes and claims that may arise from the development of a renewable energy project.
Register now >
