UK Knowledge Collection | Privilege, IP, and public register of contractual control agreements
Published on 13th March 2026
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
A recent decision of the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) directly comments on the implications for legal professional privilege if privileged material is placed in AI tools. While not binding on the High Court, it is likely to be persuasive – but a number of unanswered questions remain. Our Insight considers the risks for businesses when using AI tools in the context of privileged and confidential communications (whether by uploading documents or entering prompts).
The intersection of AI with copyright, and recent case law developments in the UK and EU, is the subject of our webinar in April, as part of our IP series. Other topics include the Unified Patent Court's "long-arm" jurisdiction (and our Insight looks at an ongoing case illustrating some of the tension between the UPC's approach and that of the English court) and the impact of the new EU digital regulation landscape on intellectual property issues.
The government's response to a 2024 consultation has been published, alongside draft regulations and guidance materials, as it presses ahead with the introduction of a public register of contractual control agreements, to be operated by the Land Registry. The guidance expresses an intention that the regulations will be made in the first half of 2026 and come into force on 6 April 2027. Our Insight looks at what will be in scope and at the impact on developers.
Recent Insights
AI tools and privilege in the UK – what are the risks?
Upper Tribunal finds that inputting confidential information into "open source" AI tools is confidentiality-destroying public disclosure, which could waive legal professional privilege.
Read more >
InterDigital v Amazon SEP saga: back and forth between UPC and English court continues as compliance remains in dispute
Recent developments demonstrate the extent of the jurisdictional impasse between the Unified Patent Court and the English court.
Read more >
New transparency regime for contractual control over land: what it means for developers and landowners in England and Wales
The introduction of a public register of qualifying land control agreements will mark a significant change for the development industry, and there is limited time to get to grips with the new rules.
Read more >
Weighty matters: GLP-1s and the UK regulatory diet they cannot escape
As weight-loss medicines drive rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, food, retail and digital health businesses are racing to respond. This commercial growth is accompanied by strict regulatory oversight.
Read more >
CMA sets out new guidance on collaborations between UK universities and research institutions
The Competition and Markets Authority has issued new guidance clarifying how universities and research institutions can collaborate without breaching competition law.
Read more >
Events
Eating Compliance for Breakfast
09:00-09:30
A webinar series providing a comprehensive overview of updates to essential legislation.
Strategic compliance and regulatory frameworks | 19 March
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
Register now >
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.
Register now >
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.
Register now >
Pensions Coffee Break
26 March 2026 | 11:00-11:30
Key developments affecting UK pension schemes, including the Pension Scheme Bill and the proposed cap on salary sacrifice for pensions.
Register now >
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
Register now >
