UK Knowledge Collection | Leasehold reform, trade marks and designs, and digitalisation in Life Sciences
Published on 30th January 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
The government's overhaul of residential property law continues, with the publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill on 27 January. Its intention is to make commonhold the default tenure in England and Wales, replacing the existing long-leasehold system. Our Insight looks at the principal changes, as the draft bill undergoes pre-legislative scrutiny.
Our IP experts predict the litigation trends brands can expect this year in relation to trade marks and designs, with an increase in non-use trade mark challenges anticipated and potential for more infringement claims based on post-sale confusion, alongside design law reform.
This year will also be an important one in the continuing evolution of data law, with some sectors more affected than others: the digital health sector being one. Our Insight considers the impact of recent developments on data sharing and interoperability on the sector, and how it can balance its regulatory obligations with new opportunities for using AI and developing hyper-personalisation.
More broadly, digitalisation is a recurring theme in the European Commission's simplification agenda. Our Life Sciences experts explore how the EU's medical devices regulatory systems are being adapted closer to a "digital by default" model.
Finally, our Life Sciences Academy webinar series continues next month, with a discussion of the impact of the US Biosecure Act on biotech companies and their supply chains (and see also our earlier Insight).
Recent Insights
What trade mark and designs issues should brands look out for in Europe in 2026?
Non-use challenges to “cloned” UK marks are likely to increase as EU use can no longer evidence UK use, with bad faith and post-sale confusion remaining on the agenda and design reform potentially leading to UK-EU divergence.
Read more >
Marketinglaw | January 2026
Regulatory developments and recent ASA rulings, including restrictions on advertising "less healthy" food and drink and an ASA report on environmental claims in the online travel sector.
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Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: a new chapter for home ownership in England and Wales
The draft bill proposes that commonhold replaces long leasehold as default tenure for new flats, with an option to convert to commonhold for existing ones.
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Data-driven digital health businesses challenged with balancing AI advances and tighter regulation in 2026
New regulatory frameworks for AI, data governance and patient privacy are emerging in response to rapid digitalisation, resulting in more complicated requirements for developers and digital health providers.
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EU digital by default medtech plans signal shift in submissions, product information and online sales
The Commission's proposed digitalisation measures would represent a notable evolution of the Medical Devices Regulation and the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation framework, if adopted in their current form following the EU legislative process.
Read more >
Events
Future of Financial Services Week
2-6 February | Webinars and One London Wall
Regulation in 2026: what lies ahead | 2 February | 09:30-10:30
DORA: one year on | 3 February | 09:30-10:30
In-person event, including embedded finance, open banking, financial crime and agentic AI | 4 February | One London Wall | 08:45-17:00
Capital to close: deals in fintech | 5 February | 09:30-10:30
Full programme and register now >
Navigating UK immigration changes: practical planning for employers, sponsor strategy, compliance and cost
10 February | Halo, Bristol | 09:15-11:00
A practical session on the latest rule changes and what they mean for hiring, retention and compliance.
Register now >
Life Sciences Academy | Navigating US bio-security rules: the Biosecure Act and its impact on global biotech and pharma
12 February | 16:00-17:00
The proposed Biosecure Act and related regulations could reshape how biotech and pharma companies source, partner and invest across borders. This webinar explores the changes, who is affected, and how EU and UK companies with US touchpoints should prepare.
Register now >
Communications Review 2026
11 March | One London Wall | 15:00-17:45
This year's review will focus on how telecoms providers can future‑proof their networks and services amid rapid technological and regulatory change, with practical insights from industry speakers and our specialist telecoms team.
Register now >
