UK Knowledge Collection | Patents, abuse of process, and ESG

Following a consultation on proposals to reform the licensing system for standard essential patents (which protect technologies essential to technical standards), the government has concluded that it will only proceed with targeted interventions rather than the broader proposals it had been considering. Our IP team discusses the potential impact of the reforms on SEP licensing disputes.

In a webinar next month, an expert panel will consider the risks and opportunities for life sciences companies of patent expiries, including how to plan for loss of exclusivity and use deals to drive innovation and maximise asset value.

Our latest update on fraud, asset tracing and enforcement developments in cross-border disputes includes a Court of Appeal case on abuse of process. It offers a salutary reminder for parties involved in litigation (in particular for those who have obtained a freezing order or are considering hiring private investigators) that privilege-hunting is a serious abuse of process and that parties who seek to rely on discretionary remedies must be especially mindful of their litigation conduct.

And our ESG Knowledge Update includes the FCA's finalised rules requiring listed issuers to report against new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards from 2027, HMRC consulting on using a mass balance approach to account for chemically recycled plastic in Plastic Packaging Tax returns, and the European Parliament Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee backing a limit on the suspension of the requirement for the appointment of extended producer responsibility authorised representatives to small businesses only.

Recent Insights

UK government rows back on SEP licensing reforms following consultation

The government has confirmed it will not introduce a new rate-setting court track or change the rules on injunctions in standard essential patent disputes. A voluntary disclosure scheme and new licensing guidelines are among the measures it has agreed to take forward.
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Fraud, Asset Tracing and Enforcement Update

Developments covered in this edition include a lawyer's liability for breaching a freezing order, unenforceable US multiple-damages judgments, sole-director conspiracy, the consequences of abuse of process, and third parties bound by jurisdiction clauses.
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England's new football regulator circles as Man City found guilty of Premier League charges

Although the Independent Football Regulator has said that it will not become formally involved while proceedings are ongoing, intervention remains an option once the appeal process concludes.
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ESG Knowledge Update

This month's edition includes updates on sustainability and climate reporting, the circular economy, natural capital, supply chain transparency and green claims.
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The Energy Transition | Ofgem consults on self-building transmission connections across Britain

This week's update reports on Ofgem's proposal to lift the 2km limit on self-build transmission connections and data showing the UK now ranks third globally for floating offshore wind capacity.
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Events

Dipping into Data | Age assurance: the data protection perspective

Webinar | 20 October | 16:00-16:30
Age assurance is at (or quickly reaching) the top of many online digital services' compliance agendas. An overview of how providers can verify or estimate users' ages lawfully and fairly, and where the risks lie.
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Urban regeneration and development: mines and minerals, drainage, highway gaps, and services

Webinar | 22 October | 09:30-10:30
A session focused on the legal and practical challenges for developers that arise from urban regeneration and development.
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Physical AI and robotics in life sciences: navigating the regulatory landscape

Webinar | 28 October | 13:00-14:00
The legal and regulatory challenges for physical AI in medical devices, surgical robots and assistive technologies. Our experts will discuss how the EU AI Act, Medical Device Regulation and proposed Digital Omnibus changes interact, when systems are classified as high-risk, how the revised EU Product Liability Directive reallocates liability, and the importance of compliance records.
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The Employment Rights Act 2025 in practice

Webinar series | 10:00-10:30
A series of 30-minute webinars covering one employment reform in each session, explaining what the law says and what it means.

• An offer you cannot refuse: new union rights every employer must understand | 2 November
• Playing with fire: the new rules on varying contractual terms and fire and re-hire | 23 November
• All together now: the new rules on collective redundancy consultation | 13 January
• Family matters: new protections around family friendly rights and flexible working requests | 24 February
• Zero to guaranteed: new rights for zero hours, low hours and agency workers | 17 March

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Beyond the patent cliff: legal challenges and growth opportunities for life sciences companies

Webinar | 2 November | 14:30-15:30
Patent expiries are transforming big pharma and life sciences deal-making, from M&A and licensing to collaboration and investment strategies. BioNTech and SERB Pharmaceuticals join us for a discussion on preparing for patent expiries, adapting portfolios and growth strategies, and regulatory and IP complexities when structuring and executing transactions.
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