The Intellectual Property (Unjustified Threats) Act 2017 came into force last week. It could help intellectual property owners assert rights more freely. The act curtails a legal remedy available to a party threatened with IP infringement. From now on parties cannot be held liable for making an ‘unjustified threat’ merely by asserting their ownership. The act…
The Lord Chief Justice has told MPs that further court closures are almost certain as the justice system moves towards a digitised future. Lord Thomas said the closures are politically controversial but may be necessary to best deploy resources. The Government has almost finished its programme of 86 closures of courts and tribunals throughout England…
Sofa and living room furniture specialist DFS has reported a sharp drop in annual profits. DFS said uncertainty in the economy had led to a “significant deterioration in the consumer market”, and continued weakness of the pound against the dollar had also held back profits. Profits dropped 22.3% to £50m although revenues inched up to £762m. DFS…
Former The Voice coach Gavin Rossdale has revealed that he and singer Gwen Stefani went through “so much counselling” in a bid to save their marriage. The couple split in 2013 after 13 years of marriage. Their divorce was finalised in April 2016. Gavin and Gwen have three sons together; Kingston, 11, Zuma, nine and…
UK building and services firm Carillion has seen its share price fall 18%. It reported a first-half loss of £1.15bn and said it had taken an impairment charge of £134m on its UK and Canadian construction businesses. It had also made provision of £200m for losses on its support services contracts. This is on top…
Google has struck a $1.1bn (£822m) deal with Taiwan’s HTC to expand its smartphone business. Google will not take a stake in HTC, but some 2000 HTC staff will join Google in Silicon Valley. HTC was once a major player in the smartphone market but has struggled to compete with the likes of Apple and…
Our Trusts, Wills and Probate department are once again taking part in Dr Kershaw’s Will Week whereby you can benefit from having your Will professionally written at a significantly reduced fee. The money you save on your Will is donated to Dr Kershaw’s on your behalf. Dr Kershaw’s is a wonderful, local hospice. Each year they ask…
According to a survey being conducted by former magistrate Penelope Gibbs, director of charity Transform Justice, nearly three-quarters of respondents say video-link hearings in England and Wales have had a negative impact on participation for defendants who do not speak English well or at all, and for unrepresented defendants. Sir James Munby, president of the…
Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel and Black Eyed Peas’ singer Fergie have announced that they are splitting up after 13 years together, and eight years of marriage. The couple have a four-year-old son, Axl. The couple’s split announcement comes as Fergie is relaunching her solo music career. Family solicitors All matters relating to the breakdown of…
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has won a victory in a 13 year-long dispute with European rival Airbus. The World Trade Organization has reversed, on appeal, a ruling that Boeing received some state aid to help build its newest aircraft, the 777X. However, Airbus said, “the ‘game’ is far from over” as other complaints over alleged…