<p>Filter Knowledge</p>

Potentially significant increases to fines are expected, as Courts are told to impose sentences that have a “real economic impact” on offenders.

Two recent cases have highlighted the dangers of so-called service level "ambushes" in relation to outsourcing contracts and similar agreements.

As indicated in our briefing on penalty clauses in June, the El Makdessi and ParkingEye cases have been reviewed by the Supreme Court, which has now given an important ruling aimed at clarifying the law.

Under new rules, which have just come into force, large organisations operating within the United Kingdom will now need to make a public statement outlining how they keep their supply chains free from slavery and human trafficking.

The European Court has issued landmark judgment on substances in products.

On 1 October 2015 large parts of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 take effect. It changes the law regarding sales of goods and services to consumers, both in store, by tele-sales and on-line.

As the uses to which personal data is put have become greater and more sophisticated, so have the risks of something going wrong.

REACH update: Advocate General’s opinion on the application of the 0.1% threshold for substances in articles

As first reported in our legal briefing 'Mandatory Carbon Reporting' of July 2012, there is an increasing trend by legislators at both UK and EU level towards compulsory corporate reporting and disclosure on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters.

In a rising market, buyers are exposed to the risk of spending time and money investigating a property only to find that the seller decides to proceed with another party. Sellers want to maximise a rise in property prices and make full use of their agents' marketing efforts by selling quickly to the highest bidder rather than wasting time with slow or indecisive potential buyers.

In practical terms, businesses do not normally create IP – individuals do, such as employees or consultants. But it is crucial for businesses either to own or to have the right to use that IP.

Does the term "good faith" mean anything when used in a contract governed by English law? And, if so, what effect is a "good faith" obligation likely to have in practice?