Information Technology
The Lawyer
Simpson Thacher and Gunderson lead Yahoo! purchase of Tumblr
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett has taken a lead advisory role alongside Silicon Valley firm Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian on Yahoo!’s acquisition of blogging site Tumblr for $1.1bn in cash.
Cambridge Technology and Life Sciences Update — May 2013 weblink
Taylor Wessing has released the May 2013 edition of its Cambridge Technology and Life Sciences Update.
Taylor Wessing advises iCITY and Infinity in landmark Olympic legacy deal
Taylor Wessing has advised on a deal that will secure the long-term future of the former Olympic press and broadcast centre.
Corporate lawyers from Walker Morris advise Branded3 on its acquisition by St Ives
Walker Morris has advised Branded3’s co-founders on its acquisition by St Ives plc.
Rapid rise on global family disputes: Emily Brand writes article for Wealthbriefing download
Figures released by the Office of the Head of International Family Justice for England and Wales reveal a 40 per cent increase in the number of international family disputes handled in the last year.
Data Protection Policies — update from Global Data Hub weblink
Taylor Wessing has added a fresh batch of data-protection-focused content to its Global Data Hub site.
Bring your own device: ICO publishes new guidance download
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published new guidance on ‘bring your own device’.
Intellectual Property and Technology News (EMEA): Issue 3 — Q2 2013 weblink
The latest edition of DLA Piper’s Intellectual Property and Technology News (EMEA) is now available.
Electronic services at the Saudi Arabian trademarks office download
The Saudi Arabian trademarks office has issued a circular stating that it will now only receive new applications electronically.
Developments in the UAE Cyber Crimes Law download
In this article, Al Tamimi outlines Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 concerning the combating of information technology crimes.
The Taylor Wessing Technology Barometer — Q2 2013 Edition download
Taylor Wessing’s review of the technology market.
The digital shift: 10 themes shaping the legal agenda download
The first industrial revolution lasted for 80–100 years. The pace of change today encourages us to believe that the second industrial revolution will be completed at much greater speed.
Legal and brand challenges of developing apps weblink
Apps are not new, but the way businesses are monitising them is evolving rapidly, and developing models brings legal and brand challenges.
Data & Information E-Alerts — 3 May 2013 weblink
The 3 May 2013 edition of Addleshaw Goddard’s Data & Information E-Alerts publication is available now.
European Union Article 29 Working Party issues opinion on big data use download
On 2 April 2013, the European Union Article 29 Working Party issued an opinion that will have important ramifications for all those involved in processing personal data in the EU.
HTC v Apple: UK Court of Appeal decision weblink
Judgment of the UK Court of Appeal in the patent case HTC v Apple (Case nos. A3/2012/2043 and 2044) has been delivered.
Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence — May 2013 weblink
The May 2013 issue of DLA Piper’s Sports, Media and Entertainment Intelligence briefing is available now.
Technology and Sourcing News (UK) — April 2013 weblink
The April 2013 edition of DLA Piper’s Technology and Sourcing News (UK) briefing is available now.
Al Tamimi appoints Chris Appleby as regional head of technology, media and telecoms
Chris Appleby has been appointed as the new regional head of technology, media and telecommunications at Al Tamimi & Company.
Audio evidence: the power of sound download
The technologies available to deal with audio evidence are evolving rapidly.
Radar: Technology & Communications Update — May 2013 weblink
This month’s issue focuses on the new Defamation Act 2013 and the Supreme Court’s view on browsing the internet without permission from the relevant copyright holder.
Business intelligence reporting: instant information download
The creation of applications offering intuitive user-driven data analysis focused on providing efficient and cost-effective client management are the primary goals for most law firms today.
DLA Piper welcomes Steadman and Satchwell to Chicago IP and technology practice
Paul Steadman and Matthew Satchwell have joined DLA Piper’s intellectual property and technology practice in Chicago.
Brazil lowers requirements for 90-day visas for technology transfer and technical assistance download
Brazil has lowered the requirements to obtain a 90-day temporary visa for workers entering the country to provide technical assistance and to transfer technology.
Legal issues in cloud computing — part two download
Remote-access computing services, whereby software applications and more are made available to clients as a service, are becoming increasingly popular.
Data & Information E-Alert — 26 April 2013 download
Addleshaw Goddard’s latest Data & Information E-Alert is available now. Topics include cyber security and freedom of information.
Hogan Lovells and Simpson Thacher bite into record $17bn Apple bond
Hogan Lovells and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have advised on Apple’s $17bn (£10.9bn) bond issue, described as the largest corporate bond offering in history.
Appleby wins ALB's Technology, Media and Telecoms Deal of the Year award
Appleby has won Technology, Media and Telecoms Deal of the Year at the Asian Legal Business China Law Awards.
IT security is often virtually forgotten download
The IT industry has seen a rapid move towards ‘virtualisation’, the benefits of which should be considered in light of the security risks applicable to using virtual products and/or services.
Data protection authorities announce investigations into Google's privacy policy download
Data protection authorities are investigating whether Google’s privacy policy complies with national data protection laws.
US duo lead on $586m sale of stake in China's Twitter-like Weibo
Shearman & Sterling and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have played key roles on Chinese internet giant Sina Corporation’s sale of a stake in the country’s Twitter-like site Weibo.
Law à la Mode: Issue 9 — Spring 2013 download
Issue 9 of DLA Piper’s Law à la Mode publication is available now.
Conyers Dill & Pearman advises on sale of VK.com interest to United Capital Partners
Conyers Dill & Pearman has advised companies controlled by Viatcheslav Mirilashvili and Lev Leviev on the sale of an indirect 48 per cent interest in VK.com to United Capital Partners.
Hogan Lovells' Harriet Pearson advocates for cybersecurity voluntary codes of conduct
Hogan Lovells partner Harriet Pearson has advocated for cybersecurity voluntary codes of conduct before a congressional committee.
The European Court of Human Rights rejects Pirate Bay file-sharing appeal download
The ECHR has rejected, as inadmissible, an appeal from the two founders of Pirate Bay — one of the world’s largest file-sharing web platforms.
Government consults on compulsory data protection audits for NHS download
The government has launched a consultation on whether NHS organisations should be made subject to compulsory data protection audits.
A new Iraqi e-commerce act — a new move to openness download
The Electronic Signature & Electronic Transactions Law No. 78 of 2012 was approved by Iraq’s Presidential Council on 18 October 2012.
Energy Alert — FERC proposes new critical infrastructure download
The FERC has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to approve, subject to certain modifications, Version 5 of the CIP Standards proposed by the NERC.
Data & Information E-Alerts: 19 April 2013 download
Addleshaw Goddard has released the 19 April 2013 edition of its Data & Information E-Alerts.
Business secretary Vince Cable opens Mills and Reeve's new Cambridge office
Business secretary Vince Cable has opened Mills & Reeve’s new Cambridge office.
Exhaustion of rights in the download-to-own software market download
In UsedSoft GmbH vs Oracle International Corp (C-128/11), the ECJ ruled that the principle of ‘exhaustion of rights’ applies to the DTO software market.
Olswang acts for MergerID shareholders on completed disposal to Intralinks Holdings
Olswang has acted for the shareholders of MergerID on the completed disposal to NYSE-quoted Intralinks Holdings.
Data and Information E-Alert download
Addleshaw Goddard has released a Data and Information E-Alert.
Bring your own device: an employer’s checklist download
How you approach the issue of BYOD depends on the nature of your business, whether the practice offers you any real benefits and your IT budget and capabilities.
Information Technology Update — April 2013 weblink
King & Wood Mallesons has released its April 2013 edition of its Information Technology Update.
US SEC provides Regulation FD guidance on use of social media download
The SEC has issued new guidance permitting companies to use social media such as Facebook and Twitter to disclose material information provided that investors are first alerted to the sites that will be used.
Resolution — spring 2013 download
Appleby has released the spring 2013 edition of its Resolution offshore publication.
Increasing public awareness of the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005 download
The increasing public awareness of the existence of the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005 has led to an increase in queries and complaints in respect of the control of ‘personal data’.
Mark Owen joins Taylor Wessing's international TMT group
Taylor Wessing has announced that it has appointed Mark Owen to its international technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) group.
Karanovic & Nikolic works with SAM and Microsoft to organise business breakfast
Karanovic & Nikolic helps organise business breakfast on ‘The New World of Work’.
Auto-enrolment in the technology sector download
Young, dynamic industries such as the technology sector have perhaps felt rather smug that they are not embroiled in the complexities that surround pension provision.
Multi-sourcing: performance incentives download
Incentivising performance in an IT contract requires a panoply of commercial and contractual incentives and sanctions.
Eversheds and OC join US firms as Cisco buys UK's Ubiquisys
Eversheds and Osborne Clarke (OC) have taken the lead UK roles on networking giant Cisco’s $310m (£205m) acquisition of Swindon-based technology group Ubiquisys.
Radar: Technology & Communications Update — April 2013 weblink
This issue of Radar looks at privacy issues with apps on smart devices in the context of a recent Article 29 Working Party Opinion.
Taylor Wessing Download — 3D printing weblink
This month, Taylor Wessing’s Download site focuses on the topic of 3D printing.
BYOD policies: is your organisation compliant with the ICO's new guidance? download
With an increasingly mobile workforce, the practice of bringing your own device (BYOD) is already a fact of life for many businesses.
Bird & Bird strikes alliance deal with Australia's Truman Hoyle
Bird & Bird has sealed a cooperation agreement with Australian TMT firm Truman Hoyle in a bid to strengthen its capacity in the Asia Pacific region.
Luxembourg legal update — March 2013 download
Arendt & Medernach has released its Luxembourg legal update for March 2013.
Luxembourg legal update — March 2013: reform of rules for electronic archiving download
The ground-breaking reform of rules for electronic archiving.
Data Protection Laws of the World — March 2013 edition download
This handbook sets out an overview of the applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations across 63 different jurisdictions to start you on your way through this complex area of compliance.
Chambers & Partners recognises Olswang in 2013 Global edition
Olswang has been recognised by Chambers & Partners in its 2013 Global edition.
Thomson Reuters recognises Olswang attorneys in 2013 Super Lawyers list
Olswang has announced that 28 of its attorneys have been recognised by Thomson Reuters in its 2013 London Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Partner Eleni Skordaki has also been listed in the Top 50 Women in London.
Freshfields to merge IP and IT into corporate and disputes
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is set to amalgamate its IP and IT practice into its corporate and disputes groups.
King & Wood Mallesons advises Melbourne IT on sale of its Digital Brand Services business
King & Wood Mallesons has advised Melbourne IT on the sale of its Digital Brand Services division to Corporation Services Company for AUD152.5m.
Guide to agile software development: part 2 — what should a customer do? download
Shoosmiths looks at what any customer entering an agile project should do to ensure that it is geared up to implement such a project and that the documents governing the project adequately protect its position.
Progress of the EC draft data protection package and the implications weblink
Implications of the EC’s draft data protection package.
Antitrust issues continue flaring up in China's IT sector download
On 30 and 31 January 2013, the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) posted a press release and a brief question-and-answer protocol (Q&A) on its website to inform of a recent enforcement action.
Hogan Lovells advises 2e2 on sale of its European businesses to Logicalis Group
Hogan Lovells has advised IT company 2e2 on the sale of its European businesses to Logicalis Group for €24m in cash.
Intellectual property and technology news download
Focusing on the Asia Pacific region, we discuss some of the key issues to consider when taking your business online.
Rights in data handbook: Protecting and exploiting IP in data and databases internationally download
The value of data and databases to business is undeniable and continues to increase.
Radar: Technology and Communications Update — March 2013 weblink
Taylor Wessing has published its Radar: Technology and Communications Update for March 2013.
A customer's guide to agile software development: part one — what is agile? download
In part one of this guide, Shoosmiths provides an overview of the agile development process.
Serbian DPA issues second-ever approval for the transfer of personal data out of Serbia
Serbian Data Protection Authority issues its second-ever approval for the transfer of personal data out of Serbia.
LG partner joins Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Former Lawrence Graham (LG) technology partner Peter Brudenall has joined the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in its in-house legal team.
New obligations to report cyber attacks: will they apply to your business? download
The EU has proposed new measures on cyber attack reporting.
Domain names disputes and cyber squatting download
Businesses must be alive to cybersquatting.
English High Court ruling: what if you don't want your photo on Facebook? download
The English High Court ruled last month that a person has a right to expect that certain photos taken of them — even after uploaded onto Facebook — will be kept private.
Spain — a new front in Google's data protection battle download
Olswang’s Madrid team reports on the Spanish Data Protection Authority’s recent ruling on Google’s autocomplete function.
Amazon prepares ground for first formal Europe panel
Amazon is carrying out an overhaul of its external legal advisers in Europe that will see it launch a formal panel in the region for the first time.
IT contracts — dealing with the risk of supplier insolvency download
At a recent Shoosmiths event, lawyers shared practical experience of the risks and potential remedies associated with the insolvency of IT suppliers.
Consent shall be obtained before collecting personal electronic information download
The Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and came into effect on 28 December 2012.
Social media legal issues — part one download
In this article, part one of a two-part series, we look at some general risks associated with the use of social media.
Intellectual property, information technology and media
MOLITOR launched its intellectual property, information technology and media practice group in 2007.
Social media and data protection: the employment law issues download
Employers must ensure they comply with Data Protection Act obligations when using social media.
Facebook once again under fire from German privacy watchdog download
Facebook has been again subject to an order by the regulator of Schleswig-Holstein.
OC turns to Stephenson Harwood for City partner hire
OC has recruited Stephenson Harwood commercial and outsourcing partner John Buyers in the latest hire into its City base.
Technology
Curtis counsels investors, start-ups and established global corporations in sectors as diverse as software, hardware, electronic media, nanotechnology, clean technology, biotechnology, renewable energy and life sciences.
YouView finds new head of legal at Virgin Media
Digital TV provider YouView has turned to Virgin Media for its new head of legal, pulling in Virgin’s assistant general counsel Toni Vitale for the chief role.
Scraping the data barrel download
Everyone thinks they know what data is. But data is a very difficult concept to capture in terms of legal status.
ICT and media
From start-ups to IPOs to publicly traded companies, Acumum can advise you and assist you in establishing, growing and entering new markets.
US firms win roles on $24bn Dell buyout in major post-crisis LBO
Debevoise & Plimpton, Hogan Lovells, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz have taken advisory roles on the $24.4bn (£15.5bn) leveraged buyout (LBO) of Dell, reported to be the biggest take-private since the financial crisis.
FTC announces important settlement with social networking app and releases new mobile app report download
The FTC announced a potentially groundbreaking settlement with the social networking app Path and released an important new staff report on Mobile Privacy Disclosures late last week.
Data protection
Data protection presents both rights and obligations. We assist our clients in upholding and adhering to both.
IT and telecommunications
Taylor Wessing’s team of specialist IT and telecommunications lawyers carries out standalone technology and telecommunications work for a diverse mix of clients.
Data protection
Shoosmiths’ data protection team has a wealth of experience advising clients on data protection compliance issues and broader privacy laws.
Telecoms Media Technology
Recent development in digital technology has rendered the borders between telecommunication, media and technology obsolete.
Data protection — not just the responsibility of the employer download
One bank employee is going to be on Santa’s naughty list this year after a court found her guilty of data protection offences earlier this month.
Online behavioural advertising: the new rules download
From 4 February 2013, organisations using targeting advertising online - known as ‘online behavioural advertising’ (OBA) - will be required to tell web users about their use of OBA and allow them to opt-out of having their data collected and used for OBA.
Are you breaching your ongoing duty of care under the Data Protection Act? download
A 2012 case shows how easy it can be to fall short of obligations imposed by the Data Protection Act.
Cookies: the new legislation affecting websites download
Since 26 May 2012 most web site operators must now ensure that they obtain the consent of anyone visiting their website before placing cookies on the visitor’s computer.
How firms can implement a social media strategy download
Facebook, Twitter, e-mails, blogs, YouTube, Linked-In and Skype - words that we are all familiar with as they permeate our day-to-day lives.
Olswang partner advises 'millions' of UK Apple users in case against Google
The Olswang partner who advised News International against allegations of phone-hacking is advising a group of Apple users who claim that Google secretly tracked their browsing habits between September 2011 and February 2012.
Welcome clarity on online sales in China for foreign investors from an unexpected source but uncertainty remains for the VIE structure download
With a netizenship of over 500 million users and potential for further increases considering its population and demographics, China’s online sales market has become too big for international businesses to ignore.
The Leveson Report: Data protection proposals will have a significant impact on journalism and the enforcement of data protection law download
There has been much debate since the publication of Lord Leveson’s Report on the culture, practices and ethics of the press as to the role of a future regulatory framework governing its activities.
The Taylor Wessing Technology Barometer — Q4 2012 download
Against a backdrop of gradually improving growth and employment across the UK, but a stormy outlook in much of the Eurozone, this quarter’s edition of the Taylor Wessing Technology Barometer is a positive read.
The Taylor Wessing Technology Barometer — Q1 2013 download
In this bleakest of economic mid-winters it is heartening to warm ourselves with the knowledge that the technology sector continues to out-perform the rest of the market.
The Taylor Wessing technology barometer — Q3 2012 download
Despite the ongoing economic gloom and latest official figures showing the economy has fallen by another 0.7% between April and June, this quarter’s edition of the Taylor Wessing Technology Barometer continues to be a good news story.
The Patent Box download
The UK Government has been keen to improve the UK’s competitiveness in the high-tech arena. This was largely motivated by a string of departures of UK headquartered multinationals from the UK.
Exposing libel myths surrounding Twitter and social media download
The action Lord McAlpine is reportedly taking against Twitter users for falsely suggesting he was involved in child sex abuse reveals a number of “myths” about the legal responsibility in England for false and defamatory tweets and other statements on social media.
New law combating information technology crimes download
Last month the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 (“New Cyber Crime Law”) a comprehensive piece of legislation on combating cyber crimes.
New DIFC data protection law comes into force download
The Dubai International Financial Centre , a financial services free zone located in the Emirate of Dubai, has its own ‘European style’ data protection law, applicable in the jurisdiction of the DIFC.
Legal issues in cloud computing download
Remote access computing services, whereby software applications, databases, data storage, network configuration and programming tools are made available to clients as a service, are becoming increasingly popular.
When is a software licence transferable even if it says it’s non-transferable? download
Software companies cannot prevent the sale of “second-hand” software licences, where those licences are for a one-off fee and an unlimited period.
The European Court of Justice rules on how far copyright extends in computer programs
An analysis of the SAS Institute Inc v World Programming Ltd case, and its implications for European copyright law in software.
UK Information Commissioner’s Office opens public consultation on changes to data protection notifications download
The UK data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has opened a consultation on proposed changes to the data protection notification process.
Report on the IAPP European Data Protection Intensive conference download
The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) held its first European Data Protection Intensive conference on 25–26 April 2012.
CJEU confirms functionality of computer programs not protected by copyright download
The Court of Justice of the European Union has handed down its keenly awaited judgment in SAS Institute Inc. v World Programming Ltd.
Fenwick and O'Melveny join local firm as Cisco buys Israeli software group
US firms Fenwick & West and O’Melveny & Myers and Israel’s Herzog Fox & Neeman have landed roles as Cisco acquires Israeli software maker Intucell for an estimated $475m (£300m).
Hot 100: Tim Ross, Kelway video
Tim Ross (scroll down for video interview) had no small task when he became Kelway’s first-ever lawyer in 2010.
Hot 100: Tom Kilroy, Misys video
In our latest Hot 100 video Misys general counsel Tom Kilroy talks about becoming acting CEO of the business and the challenges that entailed
Privacy and data protection: 2012 in review download
Privacy and data protection continue to be an exploding area of focus for regulators in the United States and beyond.
China’s legislature weighs in on online data privacy download
On 28 December 2012, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, weighed in on the subject of data privacy with its promulgation of the Decision on Reinforcing the Protection of Network Information.
White & Case and WilmerHale lead on Sberbank JV with search engine
White & Case and WilmerHale have scooped the lead roles as Sberbank forms a joint venture with Russian search engine Yandex, a deal that kickstarts the two companies’ plans for a new online payment service.
Siemens hands UK panel spots to firm trio as roster cut
Siemens has given new panel places to Eversheds and Osborne Clarke as the engineering and technology group completes a major slimming-down of its UK legal roster.
EMW, Morgan Cole and Shoosmiths install Cambridge software group's MBO
EMW, Morgan Cole and Shoosmiths have all won headline roles as WestBridge Capital backs the £6m management buyout (MBO) of Cambridge-based Anglia Business Solutions in return for a 43 per cent stake in the business.
China enacts new data privacy legislation download
On 28 December 2012, China’s national legislature enacted a new law to further regulate the collection and use of online personal information and to require certain network service providers to implement real name registration for all users.
FFW, Mayer Brown advise as Abramovich invests in Oxford green-tech group
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) and Mayer Brown have won roles advising on a deal that sees Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich invest £4.3m in a small gas-to-liquids technology company.
Sending the privilege away: attorney-client emails in the corporate setting download
In a pending False Claims Act case involving allegations of noncompliance with the federal physician self-referral law, the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida has issued a recent order denying the protection of attorney-client privilege.
Decision on strengthening the protection of online information download
At the end of 2012, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in China adopted the Decision on Strengthening Protection of Online Information.
Autonomy founder turns to Clifford Chance over HP controversy
Clifford Chance has been instructed by Autonomy founder Mike Lynch amid allegations of accounting irregularities prior to the UK software group’s takeover by Hewlett-Packard (HP) last year.
The Social Media Law Update — December 2012 download
In this issue of Socially Aware, our Burton Award-winning guide to the law and business of social media, we examine why social media marketing strategies should be concerned with clearing more than just copyrights.
Edwards Wildman City team leads for tech startup on $5m funding round
Edwards Wildman’s London office and US firm Carr & Ferrell have won roles advising as technology startup Swoop kicks off a process to raise $5m (£3.1m).
DLA and Freshfields earn £775k in fees from BT acquisition
DLA Piper and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer are set to share an estimated £775,000 in legal fees after winning advisory roles on British Telecommunications’ (BT) acquisition of IT services company Tikit.
Europe offers incentives to cloud computing growth download
The European Commission has issued a Communication setting out a road map for the future growth of cloud computing in Europe.
Osborne Clarke hires YouView legal head
Osborne Clarke has turned to digital TV provider YouView for a hire in its digital business group, bringing aboard legal chief John Davidson-Kelly.
Tech msgr
Tim Ross, GC at trendy and fast-growing IT supplier Kelway, says legal life is getting interesting as the company expands abroad
Field Fisher partner heads to SNR Denton in wake of public sector cuts
SNR Denton has added to its London technology and outsourcing practice with the hire of Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) partner Andrew Lucas, a specialist in public procurement.
CIS legal update — September 2012 download
An update on developments in the CIS countries, including the Russian government’s tightening of control over strategic industries and cyberspace, changes to summary proceedings in Russian commercial courts and more.
Olswang ups TMT offering with hire of tech duo
Olswang has boosted its technology and outsourcing offering with the hire of a technology partner each for its London and Singapore offices.
Chairman Rockefeller requests cybersecurity input from Fortune 500 companies download
On 19 September Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to the CEOs of all Fortune 500 companies seeking their input on the nation’s cybersecurity needs.
Paper cut – the digital office
A paperless environment is the ideal, but how realistic a proposition is it?In association with:
Conflict minerals: understanding the SEC's final rules download
At an open meeting held on 22 August 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission voted to approve final rules regarding disclosure and reporting requirements with respect to the use of “conflict minerals” to implement Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The trend towards greater adoption of predictive coding download
Predictive coding, also known as automated review, represents an evolving technology that provides litigants with a computer-assisted alternative to manual review of large document sets.
Conflict mineral rules: frequently asked questions download
The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) conflict mineral rules, adopted in August 2012, present hard questions for public companies, which must evaluate whether they are covered by the rules, and, if so, make inquiry into the origin of the minerals used in their products.
Field Fisher ramps up US focus with launch of Palo Alto base
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has launched a representative office in Silicon Valley in a bid to clinch work originating in the Californian technology hub.
Cravath, Pepper Hamilton lead as IBM buys Kenexa for $1.3bn
Cravath Swaine & Moore and Pepper Hamilton have taken the helm as IBM acquired human resources management company Kenexa for $1.3bn (£820m) to boost its cloud-based software offering.
Freshfields and Schoenherr log in for Carlyle's software sale
Clifford Chance, Duane Morris and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer joined Austrian firm Schoenherr advising on Swedish private equity outfit EQT Partners’ $270m (£172m) acquisition of IT company UC4 Software from the Carlyle Group.
EU Court rules on resale of 'used' computer programs download
On 3 July 2012, the Court of Justice of the European Union released its much-anticipated ruling in UsedSoft GmbH v Oracle International Corp.
Clifford Chance wins RBS role on IT failure review
Clifford Chance has been instructed by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to carry out a review into a computer failure that left customers without access to information about their accounts.
Bristows acts as Google admits Street View data was not deleted
Google is being advised by Bristows over its admission that it did not delete users’ personal data that was gathered during its Street View research.
Fenwick & West and Gunderson Dettmer scoop roles on Cisco's acquisition of Virtuata
Fenwick & West and Gunderson Dettmer have landed roles on Cisco’s acquisition of cloud security startup Virtuata.
Freshfields client Apple ordered to run Samsung ads
Technology giant Apple must run a series of adverts in the national press alerting consumers that its rival, Samsung, did not copy the iPad, the High Court has ordered.
Slaughters joins US duo on Samsung deal with UK's CSR
Paul Hastings, Slaughter and May and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati have secured roles for longstanding clients on Samsung Electronics’ $310m (£198m) acquisition of UK chipmaker CSR’s mobile technology development business.
Take it e-sy
E-disclosure is a key but transforming tool in modern litigation, argue litigators
Freshfields loses Apple case as Galaxy tablets not 'cool' enough to be copies
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has been defeated for the second time in a week after the High Court ruled that Samsung’s Galaxy tablets do not look “cool” enough to be mistaken for an Apple iPad.
Work emails to spouses may not be protected by marital privilege download
Yesterday in a criminal case, United States v Hamilton, 2012 WL 6000731, the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit held that emails the defendant sent to his wife over his employer’s email system were properly admitted as evidence against him.
Latest trends in cloud computing in China download
Cloud computing continues to be an area of significant interest and investment for many companies.
UK cookie rules: are you compliant? download
The UK Information Commissioners’ Office 12-month grace period for enforcing compliance with the new cookie consent rules has now expired.
English High Court allows commercial claim to be served on a defendant via Facebook download
The English High Court has recently allowed a commercial claim to be served on a defendant via Facebook and in the process has demonstrated that even the senior courts are willing to take advantage of the offerings of modern technology.
Tightening the net: defamation reform download
Internet service providers have frequently been caught in the cross-fire in defamation claims, with claimants increasingly targeting them to get comments removed quickly.
Should we all be getting the Twitter 'jitters'? download
History is littered with examples of the law being slow to catch up with the use of technology. Social media is no exception.
Cookies Update: consent now needed; UK moratorium on enforcement ends download
Consent is now needed to most uses of cookies by UK-based websites.
EU regulations on website cookies download
A guide to compliance with new EU regulations regarding the use of cookies on websites.
Clouded issues
IT services are all about the cloud these days, but what’s the attraction and what are the legal risks?
'Go-to' technology partner defects from Herbert Smith to Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing has hired Herbert Smith technology partner Christopher Rees.
Misys appoints general counsel as CEO amid merger talks
The general counsel of FTSE 250 listed software company Misys has been made acting chief executive officer following the resignation of the present chief.
'From Process to Profit' in association with Thomson Reuters FloSuite Legal video
The Lawyer Roundtable ‘From Process to Profit’, in association with Thomson Reuters FloSuite Legal.
CC goes where no law firm has gone before on SKA deal
Clifford Chance has beamed itself into the intergalactic market by winning a role on the establishment of an organisation that could help uncover secrets about life beyond Earth.
Cloud control
Security tops users’ concerns when it comes to cloud computing. Nick Coleman outlines the methods for making systems secure
Trust issues
Despite its advantages cloud computing has been slow to catch on, due mainly to the legal risks to users, suggests Adam Mitton
Crowd funding: pushing the FMSA boundaries?
Business Secretary Vince Cable announced recently what we have known for a while: “There is a serious problem with lending to good, small companies”. It is a catch 22: the Government sees entrepreneurship as essential to longer-term economic recovery, but the funding is not available to facilitate this.
Former Wragges chief joins IT boutique
Former Wragge & Co senior partner John Crabtree has joined niche corporate and technology firm White & Black as chairman.
Cultural resolution
Understanding local customs is crucial to the success of cross-border e-disclosure exercises, say Alex Dunstan-Lee and Kathy Taylor
Hit the tech
The prevalence of electronic documents means those involved in the disclosure process need to employ the latest technological techniques, says Phil Beckett
Electric drill
In this technologically driven age forensic accountants use a wide variety of tools to mine relevant data from the digital mountain. William Wilkinson reports
Google searches out Pinsents legal director
Pinsent Masons legal director Struan Robertson is leaving the firm later this month to join Google’s legal team as product counsel as the internet giant continues its recruitment drive in London.
Taylor Vinters joins forces with Keystone
?Cambridge law firm Taylor Vinters has formed an alliance with Singapore technology specialist firm Keystone Law Corporation. The move comes shortly after the former’s London launch on 1 June. Taylor Vinters also has a relationship with another Singaporean firm, Engelin Teh Practice, which handles the firm’s litigation and arbitration issues in the country. According to Taylor Vinters chief executive ...
FFW advises on massive £3m sale of slots.com gaming domain name
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has advised the seller in the largest reported internet domain name sale of 2010.
Accenture invites tenders in legal rejig
Global management consultancy and outsourcing and technology company Accenture is preparing to overhaul its legal roster.
FFW’s ID card work to survive change of govt
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has been assured that the Government’s plan to scrap the controversial ID cards scheme will not see it lose out on its work on the project.
MAB and McGrigors act on Asda’s partnership with website
Matthew Arnold & Baldwin (MAB) and McGrigors have advised on an agreement between supermarket giant Asda and price comparison website mysupermarket.co.uk.
BLG trio strengthens Kemp Little’s commercial tech team
Technology boutique Kemp Little has bolstered its IT capabilities with the hire of two senior lawyers from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert (BLG).
Bristows returns to 2Birds for IT partner
Bristows has made its second raid in three months on technology rival Bird & Bird, hiring IT partner Hazel Grant.
SJ Berwin wins Sita role from Kemp Little
SJ Berwin partner David Meredith has completed a $2bn (£1.25bn) outsourcing deal for communications company Sita, a client he won while at former firm Kemp Little.
Links TMT/IP chief quits for dual roles
Linklaters’ global head of technology, media and telecoms (TMT) and IP has left the firm to take up roles with Bird & Bird and Chinese healthcare group Sinocare.
Mishcon bags Davenport IT and brands chief for IP expansion
West End firm Mishcon de Reya is ploughing investment into its IP business in a bid to expand the practice into trademark filing work.
Opinion: BSkyB vs EDS: time to rethink IT services contracts
The English High Court is soon expected to issue a ruling on a complex and long-running dispute arising out of an IT services contract between BSkyB and EDS.
IP/IT Special Report: Copy righting
When it comes to intellectual property disputes, going down the litigation route isn’t always the best option. Gary Fern argues that protecting patents is best done through arbitration
Advisors kept as Mosley moves from privacy to libel
Norfolk-based Steeles Law has been retained by Formula 1 chief Max Mosley as he launches libel proceedings against the News of the World.
Lovells advises ParalympicsGB on McCartney ad
Lovells has advised on the ParalympicsGB on the intellectual property issues on its new TV advertising campaign featuring Sir Paul McCartney.
Narnia Dad defends his domain name policies
The Scottish father who owns the narnia.mobi domain name insists that it was a present for his 11-year-old son despite the fact that he owns 78 other domain names.
Davenport Lyons wins Savile Row suits row
Davenport Lyons won a favourable decision from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for its client, Bond Street suit maker Sartoriani, allowing it to advertise its suits as "bespoke" even though they have not been made on Savile Row.
Baker & McKenzie vs 11-year old in Narnia IP row
A couple from Edinburgh being threatened with a law suit by Baker & McKenzie over their son’s 11th birthday present has received offers of Pro Bono advice from three law firms, The Lawyer can reveal.
Costume designer strikes back in Star Wars IP rights test case
Litigation boutique SimmonsCooperAndrew will cross light sabres with Harbottle & Lewis in a High Court battle of galactic proportions over who owns the IP rights to the stormtrooper costumes from the Star Wars films.
FFW helps Tottenham Hotspur fend off counterfeit traders
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has scored a winning role for Carling Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur, advising on the club's crackdown on counterfeit goods being sold over the internet.
Wragges triumphs as Appeal Court ends Cinpres patent saga
Wragges triumphs as Appeal Court ends Cinpres patent saga" / One of the country's longest-running patent cases has ended with a Court of Appeal victory going to the IP team at Wragge & Co, after 12 years of bitter courtroom battles.
Kemp Little dials up extra T-Mobile coverage with Ericsson outsourcing
Technology boutique Kemp Little has helped to improve mobile phone coverage for people on the T-Mobile network, advising the company on an outsourcing agreement with Ericsson.
Court of Appeal redraws rules on design and trademark rights
IP practitioners will need to update their textbooks on trademark and design rights after the Court of Appeal handed down two judgments within a week.
Eversheds wins appeal for Dupont
Eversheds has won a crucial IP dispute for chemicals company Dupont against packaging giant Smurfit.
Pinsents improves public sector standing with Govt IT instruction
The outsourcing team at Pinsent Masons has raised its public sector profile by advising the Cabinet Office on a framework contract for sharing IT services.
Marks & Clerk wins Mr Miss World case
Marks & Clerk Solicitors won a last-minute injunction against Channel 4 for client Miss World Limited, forcing the broadcaster to change the name of its Mr Miss World show.
Bristows, Taylor Wessing alumni spirit away human genome case
Bristows, Taylor Wessing alumni spirit away human genome case" /Two of the biggest names in IP, Bristows and Taylor Wessing, have missed out on the UK's first-ever human genome patent litigation after the loss of key litigation ...
EU criminalises breaches of IP rights
The infringement of IP rights is set to become a criminal offence after the European Parliament's legal affairs committee backed a directive to harmonise EU criminal laws.
High Court deals second patent blow to software developers
The High Court has dealt a blow to companies looking to patent software-related inventions after rejecting Bloomberg's bid to patent a computer program.
Viacom hires Jenner & Block for YouTube battle
Media behemoth Viacom has instructed East Coast litigation specialists Jenner & Block to handle its $1bn copyright case against video site YouTube.
Wragges IP chief departs to join Marks & Clerk Solicitors
Wragges IP chief departs to join Marks & Clerk Solicitors" /Wragge & Co’s head of IP Gregor Grant has quit the Birmingham-based outfit for Marks & Clerk Solicitors, the associated law firm of the world’s largest firm of patent and trademark attorneys.
Kirkpatrick wins Testa IP team
Recently-merged Anglo-American firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham is the latest to profit from the demise of Boston technology and venture capital powerhouse Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault.
Three more jump ship from Hammonds
Hammonds’ beleagured IP and construction practices have suffered another blow with the departure of three more partners.
HMV looks to Simmons over Nabarros
Simmons & Simmons won out over Nabarro Nathanson to advise HMV on its first major deal since completing its panel review in mid-2004.IT partner Michael Sinclair led the Simmons team advising the leading music retailer on its new music download contract with Microsoft.
Patent leathering
2004 saw Lord Hoffmann do a U-turn on his Improver patent yardstick. Will it make patent law any easier to interpret? By Stephen Jones
Outgoing DWS partners win the right to vote on new management
The Eleven departing Denton Wilde Sapte (DWS) media and IP partners have been cleared to vote in the forthcoming management elections after the firm went to counsel to clarify its position.
Hallmark IP wins ex-Olswang trademark star
Hallmark IP has recruited Olswang’s former head of trademark filing and prosecution, Vivienne Coleman, as the first step on its road to becoming a multidisciplinary IP practice.
US firms boost outsourcing at expense of London rivals
Morrison & Foerster’s raid on Shaw Pittman, first reported in The Lawyer last week, was the third eye-catching move into outsourcing by a US firm in the space of a year.
DLA targets Aussie, Indian link-ups
Australian and Indian law firms have emerged as unlikely targets for DLA ahead of this Saturday’s (4 December) vote on the merger with Chicago’s Piper Rudnick.
Stibbe overhauls IP in wake of double defection
Dutch M&A heavyweight Stibbe is to restructure its IP department and exit patent law following the departure of partners Jan Brinkhof and Kurt Stöpetie.
FFW in Burger King victory over Rouse
IP boutique Rouse & Co has lost Burger King as a client but hired one of the fast food chain’s trademark attorneys.
Morgan Lewis lures talent from rival and client
The London office of Morgan Lewis & Bockius has scored a double coup after recruiting the former head of Norton Rose’s IP/IT group as well as the general counsel from client Cantor Fitzgerald International. Richard Barratt joins the US firm as a partner from Norton Rose, where he was global head of IP and IT before a recent restructuring of the department. Former client Robert Falkner was general counsel ...
Mathesons lures Corrs Chambers IP specialist in refocusing strategy
Leading Dublin firm Matheson Ormsby Prentice has expanded its IP team with the recruitment of Alistair Payne from rated Australian firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
MoFo hires disabled office junior after charity IP work
US-based firm Morrison & Foerster’s (MoFo) efforts for London charity Choices 4 All has led to the firm employing an office junior with learning disabilities, an unlooked-for benefit of providing pro bono IP protection advice.
DWS left shellshocked as eleven media/IP partners defect to DLA
DWS’s TMT practice left with skeleton crew; defectors cite lack of investment as reason for exodus. By Joanne O’Connor
Kirkpatrick puts new admin partner in SF office
Nicholson Graham & Jones’s merger partner Kirkpatrick & Lockhart has shaken up its San Francisco management. It has appointed IP specialist Deborah Bailey-Wells as administrative partner, taking over from Peter Sheats. Bailey-Wells will also become a member of the firm’s management committee. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 28 September
DLA Group entices Polish firm Lukowicz into the fold
DLA’s international association DLA Group is expanding its presence in Eastern Europe after securing its first Polish member.
Shearman scores dual hire for West Coast push
Shearman & Sterling is forging ahead with its Californian recruitment drive after scooping its second lateral in less than a month. IP litigation partner Brian Cannon leaves Fish & Neave for Shearman. He will rejoin former colleague Vicki Veenker who left Fish & Neave four years ago to establish Shearman’s IP group at Menlo Park.
Norton Rose’s Cologne team gears up for defection to CMS
Norton Rose may be on the verge of losing its entire Cologne office as its partners accelerate talks with CMS Hasche Sigle.
Kilpatrick continues UK recruitment drive
Kilpatrick Stockton is forging ahead with its aggressive UK recruitment drive after taking on a former Clifford Chance partner. Mary O’Connor, formerly an arbitration partner at the magic circle firm, will become a partner in the litigation department at the Atlanta firm’s London office. Just over a month ago, Kilpatrick scooped two senior IP partners from Simmons & Simmons. Its London head of IP ...
Careers: people
Linklaters Madrid has strengthened its M&A and private equity practice with the hires of two associates from magic circle rivals. Alexander Kolb arrives from Clifford Chance’s corporate department, where he has worked since 1999, while Victor Manchado joins after five years at
The key to IP
Ireland continues to be a jurisdiction of choice for companies wishing to establish a European base. Alistair Payne reports on managing IP in Ireland
Last partner quits CC’s Düsseldorf IP department
Clifford Chance has lost its last Düsseldorf IP partner Christian Osterrieth to embryonic German IP boutique Reimann Osterrieth Kohler Haft.
Careers: people
Cobbetts has bolstered its IP, information, communications and technology and media teams with the hire of two solicitors for its Manchester office. Laura Harper arrives after a five-year stint at Pannone & Partners, while Sonia Luthra joins the top 50 firm from DWF Solicitors.
Competition expert returns to fold at Stanbrook & Hooper
International competition law and trade practices firm Stanbrook & Hooper has re-appointed a former partner of the firm to boost is competition and intellectual property expertise.
Opinion
Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch declared the Sydney Olympics “the best Games ever”. Could the Athens Games rise to this challenge? The Greeks certainly had a tough act to follow and the doom-merchants had a great time cataloguing the problems facing the organisers, but by the closing ceremony the praise was all but unanimous: the Greeks ...
British Olympic Assoc head of legal pushes for ambush marketing laws
No sooner had the British Olympic Association’s (BOA) head of legal affairs Sara Friend stepped off the plane from Athens, than she was back in the office working on the London 2012 bid and demanding legislative change.
Hogarth, 19 Old Buildings join to create IP mega-set
Hogarth Chambers has merged with 19 Old Buildings to form the bar’s largest IP set.
Nick Carter: Capital One Bank
A former City lawyer is heading the legal team at Capital One, a company that markets itself as ‘fun’. Jodi Bartle goes looking for a laugh
Pillsbury Winthrop wins IP haul from Mintz Levin
US firm Pillsbury Winthrop has scooped the co-chair of IP at Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo and his eight-strong team for its Northern Virginia office.
Simmons loses two IP heads to Kilpatrick
Simmons & Simmons has been hit with the double loss of its London and New York IP heads to Kilpatrick Stockton.
Cisco poised for move to DuPont legal model
Tech company latest to adopt one-firm partnering scheme pioneered by DuPont
Willoughby’s future is bright with Orange
IP boutique Willoughby & Partners last week found itself at the centre of the Orange-EasyGroup spat over the use of the colour orange in EasyMobile’s trademark.
Jones Day donates office to ex-partners for start-up
Jones Day is helping two of its former IP partners to launch their own practice by offering them rent-free space in the firm’s London office.
Opinion
Elvis Presley’s That’s All Right recently made the top three in the UK singles chart on the 50th anniversary of its first release. This anniversary also has major implications for the copyright in the sound recording of the track; it will expire on 31 December 2004. From 1 January 2005, third parties will be able to press and sell copies of this recording without infringing copyright.
Opinion
The commonly held idea that perfumes, recipes and other formulae are the mere sum of their ingredients, and are therefore not protected under copyright law, was recently rejected by the Court of Appeal of Den Bosch in the Netherlands. In a groundbreaking decision, the court ruled that Lancôme’s perfume ‘Trésor’ was copyright-protected. Physicochemical analysis and the laws of probability ...
King & Spalding drives patent group forward with new hire
King & Spalding’s fledgling New York patent litigation group has welcomed a partner from Kenyon & Kenyon. Robert Perry, who was also a member of Kenyon & Kenyon’s management committee group, will bring the number of fee-earners in King & Spalding’s New York-based group to 11, including four partners. King & Spalding set up the practice area in May, bumping up the firm-wide lawyers and patent agents based throughout Atlanta and New York to 60 experts.
The phone home
The Nordic telecoms market continues to be particularly mobile. Henrik Nilsson provides the lowdown
Careers: people
Langleys Solicitors has appointed a new partner to bolster its commercial team. Andrew Argyle has joined the firm’s Lincoln office, where he will specialise in commercial litigation. Argyle arrives from Birmingham firm Shakespeares, where he was a partner in the commercial litigation department.
Kerry Griffin: Innovision Research & Technology plc
From pharma to logistics to the Tube, Innovision’s microchips are leading the way towards a more coherent future. Alex Wade gives the lowdown
Jones Day IP old boy goes it alone
Legacy Gouldens IP stalwart Charters Macdonald-Brown has left Jones Day to set up his own practice. Macdonald-Brown, who was head of IP at Gouldens since 1977, which then merged with the US’s Jones Day last year, left the firm last Wednesday (30 June) and started up his new specialist IP practice, entitled Redd, the following day. Joining Macdonald-Brown is partner Simon Chalkley and associate Sara Ashby, ...
Careers: people
Thames Valley firm Pitmans has appointed a new senior solicitor to its defendant personal injury team. Alan Davies joins from Merriman White, a firm based in London and Guildford. Davies was previously a partner at Gregory Rowcliffe & Milners and Edward Lewis in London and specialises in insurance litigation.
Jenner & Block and Roper & Quigg merge
Chicago-based law firm Jenner & Block has merged with IP litigation boutique Roper & Quigg. Roper’s founding partner Harry Roper will lead Jenner’s IP and technology team. Seven other lawyers will join Jenner as partners, two as of counsel, with a further nine associates making the move. Former assistant secretary of commerce and commissioner of patents and trademarks Donald Quigg is one of the of counsel. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 14 June
Awards preview: media/ip/it team of the year
On 22 June, 1400 people will crowd into the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the most eagerly-awaited event of the year. With only one week to go, The Lawyer brings you a sneak preview of the shortlisted individuals and teams
Waterfront Partnership
“We don’t believe in charging clients for each minute we spend. Our philosophy is very much one of ‘pick up the phone and give us a call’,” says Carole Hailey, who set up boutique IP and IT firm the Waterfront Partnership two years ago.
Hearken the hacks
Why lawyers and their clients would benefit from working with journalists – especially in a crisis. By Magnus Carter
Landwell hit with exit of real estate head
Landwell has sustained another partner loss after losing its London based head of real estate to Bird & Bird.
Arnold & Porter hikes London with DWS IP raid
The London office of Arnold & Porter has snatched Denton Wilde Sapte IP partner Clive Thorne as part of the firm’s effort to beef up its London practice. Thorne, a well-known IP litigator, is set to join Arnold & Porter as a partner on 1 September. He has extensive experience in the UK and Asia in a wide range of IP and technology litigation and arbitration involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, design rights and e-commerce disputes. The addition of Thorne will bring the total number ...
Iraqi lawyer sets up shop in Baghdad
Hussein Damirji, a native Iraqi who has spent most of his life outside his homeland, has returned to set up his own law firm.
Careers: people
Editor of Taxation magazine Malcolm Gunn joined the London tax team at Haarmann Hemmelrath as a tax consultant on 25 May. Gunn will focus on personal income and capital taxation.
DWF recruits fourth Weightman Vizards property expert
North West firm DWF has added another partner to its growing haul of former Weightman Vizards property lawyers.
Ex-OGS man makes move to Cephalon
The former general counsel of Oxford GlycoSciences (OGS) and British Biotech John Ilett has been named as the first European lawyer at US pharmaceutical company Cephalon.
Blake Lapthorn gets specific
Blake Lapthorn Linnell has completed a review of its practice groups and is introducing a series of sector teams aimed at specific industries.
Clydes scoops Kurdistan govt contract
The Kurdistan government has appointed Clyde & Co to act on all negotiations and contracts with foreign companies investing in the one relatively safe region of Iraq.
The ties that bind
The European Commission’s decision against Microsoft is likely to be a watershed for competition law enforcement in the EU. Robert Bell reports
Getting the marks out
The European Court of Justice has just given trademarks a thorough run through the wash, says Andrew Hobson
Hertz lawyer steps into Jimmy Choo in-house role
Former Hertz in-house lawyer Hannah Merritt has scooped one of the most coveted jobs in the legal market.
Halliwells’ turnover hits record high
Halliwell Landau has posted a record turnover, which is up by 12.7 per cent to £40m for the last financial year. Halliwells also announced nine internal partnership promotions, with one intellectual property lawyer gaining equity. At the same time, the Manchester firm has lost property partner Nancy Brown to Eversheds. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com 11 May
Trevisan focuses on food in Parma
Italian intellectual property (IP) boutique Trevisan & Cuonzo is to launch a new office in Parma specialising in IP issues for the food and food-related sectors.
Halliwells see revenue jump in record year
Halliwell Landau has posted its highest-ever turnover for the last financial year after revenue grew by 12.7 per cent to £40m.
Mayer Brown outdoes the agents in trademark ranks
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw and Baker & McKenzie have barged aside the trademark agents to land top five positions in 2003’s community trademark filings chart.
Wilson Sonsini wins partner trio for office launch
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has raided Pillsbury Winthrop for a team of partners to launch its new San Diego office.
William Fry swoops for Landwell IP team
Top five Dublin firm William Fry has carried out its second raid on PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Irish law firm Landwell, poaching a rated contentious intellectual property (IP) team.
DLA ramps up intellectual property with hire of Harbottle & Lewis partner
DLA has continued to strengthen its intellectual property (IP) practice with the hire of Harbottle & Lewis partner Richard Penfold.Penfold will work with head of IP Jeremy Dickinson, who joined from Hammonds in 2002, to further grow the practice.
Hammonds beefs up in Italy with White & Case IP partner
Hammonds is continuing its push in Italy with the hire of White & Case partner Lorenzo Attolico and a team of assistants and the expansion of its office space in Rome.
Opinion
The war of the Apples in the High Court (the Beatles’ Apple Corps v Apple Computer Inc) highlights the failure of intellectual property agreements to account for technological advancements. The purpose of a trademark is to distinguish one person’s goods or services from those of others. Nevertheless, it happens that two – and sometimes more – traders end up using the same brand. ...
Next generation set to take over at Nicholson Graham
A new guard is to take over management of Nicholson Graham & Jones, with insolvency head Tony Griffiths succeeding Michael Johns as managing partner.
FFW prises IP pair from Laytons
Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) has nabbed intellectual property (IP) partners David Knight and Simon Chapman from regional firm Laytons. The pair will join FFW as partners. Knight focuses on patent litigation and Chapman concentrates on trademarks and copyright. The duo’s previous clients have included Hilton, Nokia, Remington, Reckitt Benckiser and Qinetiq.
Probe into 9/11 charity’s legal fees
US Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has launched an investigation into legal fees earned by a leading New York attorney while acting for a charity that evolved out of 11 September.
Neighbours
The Australia-US free trade agreement is aimed at reducing legal and investment barriers. By Michael Beaumont and Madeleine Cox
Marks & Clerk and Blair & Co push MDP boundaries
UK trademark behemoth goes all out to create MDP while Govt pontificates
Slaughters loses Abbott instruction to Freshfields
Slaughter and May has been dumped by Abbott Laboratories for its forthcoming court fight over royalties against Cambridge Antibody Technology Group (Cat) and replaced by
Lovells tiff
Just as the Spanish have got the hang of how to pronounce Lovells (previously the whisper in Madrid was “Low Balls are coming, Low Balls are coming”), it seems the City firm may have to change its name.
Weil Gotshal litigation devolves power after record expansion
The management of Weil Gotshal’s global litigation practice is being decentralised following 100 per cent departmental growth in the past five years.
Blake Lapthorn Linnell suffers triple partner departure
Blake Lapthorn Linnell has been dealt a blow with the departure of three partners in as many months.
WTO trademarks panel gains new chair
Miguel Rodriguez Mendose, head of Van Bael & Bellis’s Geneva office and former deputy director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has been appointed chairman of the WTO panel ‘European Communities – Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications’. The panel will rule on US and Australian complaints over the EU’s system of trademarks and geographical indication for agricultural products and foodstuffs. He is joined by Seung Wha Chang of Korea and Peter Kam-fai Cheung ...
Mishcons music maestro goes solo
One of Mishcon de Reya’s best-known partners, David Glick, has left to set up his own media and entertainment-focused group of companies. Glick, noted for his deal-doing abilities in the music business, counts Craig David, Fatboy Slim, Nick Cave and The Kinks among his clients. His new business will be known as the Edge Group and will feature a legal services business (Edge Legal) and a boutique management ...
Gianni wins Cisco contract
Gianni Origoni’s close association with Linklaters has helped it score Cisco Systems as a new client.
Townsend and LSG join forces
US firm Townsend & Townsend & Crew is to merge with litigation boutique Legal Strategies Group (LSG) on 1 March. Six partners and 12 lawyers will join Townsend’s San Francisco branch, a 150-lawyer intellectual property and litigation practice. LSG focuses on antitrust, trademark and commercial litigation. First revealed on www.thelawyer.com, 18 February
Townsend and Townsend and Crew reveal San Francisco merger
US firm Townsend and Townsend and Crew is to merge with litigation boutique Legal Strategies Group (LSG).
Commission plans to simplify IP with EU Community Patent Court
The creation of a Community Patent Court with EU jurisdiction has been formally proposed by the European Commission in its bid to harmonise and simplify EU intellectual property protection.
Wragges wards off Treasury Solicitor for Napster address
Wragges wards off Treasury Solicitor for Napster address" /Wragge & Co has secured a crucial domain name victory for new client Roxio, the owner of the outlawed former file-sharing system Napster.
Wragges heads off the Treasury Solicitor in domain name fight
Wragge & Co has won out against the Treasury Solicitor’s department in a bizarre dispute over the Napster domain name.
Poppleston sneaks Cyprus govt mandate from Deloitte
Niche licensing firm Poppleston Allen has beaten big four accountancy firm Deloitte to advise the Cyprus government on the review of its betting legislation.
UK and African lawyers team up to free Zimbabwe’s press
Zimbabwe’s only independent daily newspaper The Daily News is back on the streets after a three-month hiatus, following a campaign by African and UK lawyers.
Karen D'Rosario: Vital Distribution
Music distributor Vital was more than ready for an in-house counsel when Karen D’Rosario arrived. She has been helping save the company a small fortune ever since. By Matt Byrne
Web head
Taking over Yahoo!’s European legal affairs was the perfect move for Jonathan McCoy, a champion of the freedom of the internet.
Fee levels see Lovells IP ace defect to Graf
Lovells’ Hamburg office has lost competition and intellectual property (IP)/technology, media and telecoms (TMT) partner Walter Scheuerl to Wragges’ German best friend Graf von Westphalen Bappert & Modest. Scheuerl pointed to the fee structure at Lovells and other international law firms as a key reason behind his move.
Trio quits Weightmans to go it alone
Three Weightman Vizards lawyers have left the 78-partner firm to form a new commercial boutique. The new firm, PFK Legal opens for business today (12 January). It is the brainchild of Mark Forman, Neil Kelly and James Powell. It will focus on commercial, media and intellectual property work out of offices in Oriel Chambers, Liverpool.
Clifford Chance US hit by IP lawyer migration
Clifford Chance New York is continuing to lose lawyers as a group of eight intellectual property (IP) attorneys jump ship for Hogan & Hartson.
Clifford Chance New York rainmaker quits for Kaye
Clifford Chance’s New York intellectual property (IP) group has been hit with a series of defections, including its high-billing head of department.
CC Munich head quits to set up niche practice
Clifford Chance is set to lose the head of its Munich office next year when intellectual property partner Joachim Feldges leaves to set up an independent boutique.
Fundamentals
With £62bn worth of funds on its books, F&C Management has hit on a winner with legal director Gillian Switalski, who much prefers an in-house strategy.
Shearman launches London IP practice
Shearman & Sterling’s London office has added another string to its bow as it expands into intellectual property (IP) through the hire of its first UK specialist.
Addleshaw Goddard IP partner jumps ship
Addleshaw Goddard has lost its second intellectual property (IP) partner in three months.Simon Clark is joining Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) with a group of three associates to create a new IP group for the firm.
Field Fisher takes on accountancy big four
Field Fisher Waterhouse's intellectual property (IP) practice is teaming up with its tax group to launch a direct attack on the big four accountancy firms.By combining the firm's IP expertise with its transfer pricing knowledge, Field Fisher hopes to offer what it terms "the most comprehensive asset management service in the City".Brands, technology, me-dia and telecommunications ...
Clyde & Co first to Iraq
Clydes beats the City with Iraqi launch as it stakes key claim to lucrative post-war reconstruction
Dresdner Kleinwort to create US, Asian panels based on UK model
German investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein is set to launch legal panels in the US, Japan and Singapore following a successful pilot scheme in the UK. A further German panel is likely to follow.
Jacob wins promotion to the Court of Appeal
Mr Justice Jacob, one of the finest judges in the High Court, has been promoted to the Court of Appeal.
IBM IP head jumps ship to Microsoft
Microsoft has poached the intellectual property (IP) chief of rival technology giant IBM. Marshall Phelps will manage Microsoft’s entire IP portfolio from its West Coast HQ as vice-president and deputy general counsel for IP. He will be responsible for 3,000 US patents and over 11,000 trademarks. First reported on www.thelawyer.com/lawyernews 10 June
A pretty picture
With its acquisitive streak finally slowing down, Getty Images' legal department has its sights set on image rights. Steve Hoare reports.
Taylor Wessing set to shun technology
Anglo-German firm in shock U-turn as profits slide; IT departures imminent
Eugene F Collins merges with property firm
Second-tier Dublin firm Eugene F Collins has taken over commercial property and finance boutique GD Fottrell & Sons.
Lovells gets go-ahead for Chinese expansion
Lovells has won a coveted licence to open a second office in China in the latest round of permits issued by the Chinese Ministry of Justice.
Foley opens Tokyo office with IP star
US firm Foley & Lardner has gained its first foothold in Asia by launching an office in Tokyo.
Mayer Brown raids Holmans for Lloyd's
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw is extending its Lloyd's reinsurance practice with the hire of highly-rated reinsurance litigator Ian McKenna from Holman Fenwick & Willan.
Boutique dissolves as Loyens & Loeff takes on name partners
The Brussels office of Loyens & Loeff has recruited the name partners of intellectual property (IP) and IT boutique Van Asbroeck & Cottenie, resulting in the dissolution of the seven-lawyer firm.
Deacons slashes Hong Kong numbers
Australian firm Deacons has axed 21 staff in its Hong Kong office.
Jacob urges patent agents to advocate
Mr Justice Jacob has attacked "timorous" patent agents in an attempt to encourage them to take a more active role in advocacy.A
Oppenheimer unsettled after mass defection
The future of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly's Silicon Valley office is hanging in the balance with the imminent defection of 25 of its lawyers to Dechert.
O2 legal chief set to sack 25 firms
Two-thirds of external advisers to go as Sanna overhauls entire legal function
Bristows beats patent judgment
Bristows has succeeded where Bird & Bird failed and become the first firm to overturn a certificate of validity for a patent in the High Court.
Making his mark
From cosmetics to Field Fisher via the Paris Ritz, John Olsen has had a long fight to get due recognition for his trademark practice. Steve Hoare reports
Linklaters head of IP in shock defection to Bar
Linklaters' London head of intellectual property (IP) Anna Carboni is set to leave the firm to join Wilberforce Chambers.
Field Fisher and Linklaters improve trademark filings
Field Fisher Waterhouse has claimed first place in the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys' (ITMA) annual ranking of community trademark (CTM) filings, while Linklaters is the only law firm to significantly buck the downward trend of filings.
Field Fisher, patent attorneys team up
Field Fisher Waterhouse has entered into a unique relationship with attorneys Mathys & Squire to offer the patent expertise of both firms under one virtual roof.
Herbert Smith IP/IT partner joins Norton Rose
Norton Rose has bolstered its technology group with the appointment of intellectual property (IP) and IT litigator Matthew Harris, who is currently a partner at Herbert Smith. Harris has acted on a number of high-profile IP/IT disputes recently, including Capital One's IT dispute with a Fujitsu subsidiary and the AA's copyright dispute with Ordnance Survey.
The two powers
Taylor Wessing's German and UK managing partners seem like chalk and cheese. So can they integrate their firms? Catrin Griffiths reports
Licensed to bill
Richards Butler's Michael Skrein is used to hobnobbing with celebrities. Kathryn Hobbs meets the man who really knows how to treat a girl
Turner surprise
KLegal's growth strategy is paying off, with H20 partner Catrin Turner et al joining the ranks - but the firm might get more growth than it bargained for
Civil shepherd
Ronald Thwaites QC, brought up on a professional diet of criminal actions, finds that his direct approach to civil work keeps him off the streets
Keeping tabs
For Baker & McKenzie's Harry Small, keeping Levi's little red tab sacred was a must - despite the fact that he doesn't wear jeans very often
No place like home
A law firm with no office and equal fees for associates and partners? It's a crazy idea, but Peter Rouse might be just the man to pull it off
New judge for patents court
Intellectual property (IP) specialist chambers 8 New Square is looking for a successor to its head, Michael Fysh QC, who has been appointed judge at the Patents County Court.
Partner quits Wessing taking total to sixteen
Yet another Wessing partner has quit the firm - but has not followed his 15 former colleagues to Andersen Luther.
Kropp-Olbertz Schulte-Franzheim Seibert
News in brief
Spruson and Cheong in IP merger
A new niche practice has been formed in Singapore with the marriage of two of Asia’s biggest names in IP.
Lovells hires niche IP lawyer from Paris rival
Lovells is continuing its expansion in Europe as the Paris office takes on an intellectual property (IP) partner from local firm Dubarry Le Douarin & Veil.
Salans scoops team of three from New York rival
Franco-US firm Salans Hertzfeld & Heilbronn is expanding its New York intellectual property (IP) practice with a team from Pryor Cashman Sherman & Flynn.
Beachcroft IP head goes to Field Fisher
Beachcroft Wansbroughs has lost its head of intellectual property (IP) and an assistant to Field Fisher Waterhouse.
Denton Wilde introduces IP group to TMT
Denton Wilde Sapte has announced the formation of a new intellectual property (IP) group.
Public Property
IP.com offers a cheap alternative to messy, expensive patents and from small beginnings the website is now aiming to go global. Mary Murphy investigates the company that says it is the true defender of ideas.
Linklaters sends Jones to Germany to develop European IP integration
Linklaters & Alliance is sending one of its top London intellectual property (IP) partners to Germany in a bid to integrate the European practice into the rest of the group.
New chambers Hogarth throws down IP gauntlet
One Raymond Buildings and 5 New Square merge: recruitment ubderway
Eversheds IP chief moves to Martineau
Birmingham firm Martineau Johnson is taking on the head of intellectual property from Eversheds' Nottingham office to boost its high-tech practice.
Shearmans appoints top IP partner from Fish & Neave
Shearman & Sterling has raided leading Los Angeles intellectual property (IP) boutique Fish & Neave for the second time in six months.
Fitting the Bill
When even the railway system can't make a man angry, he has to be the nicest lawyer around. Fiona Callister meets Martineau Johnson's very agreeable senior partner elect
Coudert moves senior partner for IT focus
Coudert Scharmann, Coudert Brothers' German office, has relocated a senior partner to Munich.
Kristian Wiggert
Morrision & Foerster golden boy Kristian Wiggert, the new London office managing partner, may appear unassuming, shy even. Claire Smith meets the man whose image belies his professionalism
