Category: Litigation & Disputes

  • 6 steps to take when you have a boundary dispute with your neighbour

    Dealing with a boundary dispute with your neighbour can be a delicate situation.

    Here are some steps to consider :

    1. Review Property Documents:

    • Examine your deeds and any  surveys. Familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations related to property boundaries.

    2. Document Everything:

    • Keep a record of all communication, including dates, times, and details of discussions in case the dispute escalates and legal action becomes necessary.

    3. Open Communication:

    • Have a discussion with your neighbour and attempt to seek a resolution.

    4. Get a Professional Survey:

    • Instruct a chartered surveyor to determine the property boundaries.

    5. Mediation:

    • A neutral third party can help facilitate a conversation and guide both parties towards a resolution.

    6. Obtain Legal Advice:

    • A legal professional will help you  understand your legal rights including whether there is an adverse possession claim and They can provide guidance on how to proceed if Court action becomes necessary.
  • Actor Noel Clarke seeks £10m in defamation case against The Guardian

    Actor Noel Clarke has vowed to push ahead with his £10 million libel claim against The Guardian after a judge’s ruling on newspaper articles accusing Clarke of bullying and sexual misconduct against women.

    Clarke was suspended by Bafta in light of the allegations, his film and TV projects were axed, and he was “cancelled” by the entertainment industry, the High Court was told.

    He argued ordinary Guardian readers would have believed the claims against him were true, rather than disputed allegations.

    The Guardian’s position was that it its readers would have learned that there were “reasonable grounds to suspect” Clarke of misconduct.

    In a preliminary ruling, Mr Justice Johnson said the first article against Clarke had conveyed the meaning that “there are strong grounds to believe that the claimant is a serial abuser of women, that he has, over 15 years, used his power to prey on and harass and sometimes bully female colleagues, that he has engaged in unwanted sexual contact, kissing, touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments, and professional misconduct, taking and sharing explicit pictures and videos without consent, including secretly filming a young actor’s naked audition.”

    The judge also ruled all of the articles could be defamatory, meaning the case can move on to the next stage.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • A Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a trademark in the United Kingdom

    1. Determine the Need for a Trademark:

    Make sure you have a distinctive name, logo, or slogan that you want to protect ensuring that it is not already in use by another company.

     

    1. Trademark Search:

    Conduct a trademark search to check if someone else is already using a similar or identical trademark. Use the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) online search tools or consider hiring a trademark lawyer. .

     

    1. Classify Your Goods and Services:

    Trademarks are registered for specific classes of goods and services, so choose the right classes that match your business activities.

     

    1. Create a Trademark Application:

    Visit the UK IPO’s official website (www.gov.uk/guidance/trade-marks) to access the online trademark application system.

     

    1. Complete the Application Form:

    You’ll need to provide detailed information about your trademark, including the image (if it’s a logo) and a description of the goods/services it will cover. Be precise and accurate in your application.

     

    1. Pay the Application Fee:

    The cost may vary depending on factors like the number of classes and the filing method. Check the current fee schedule on the UK IPO’s website.

     

    1. Review and Submit the Application:

    Review your application for any errors or omissions and submit electronically once satisfied. Keep a copy of the application and any payment receipts for your records.

     

    1. Examination by the UK IPO:

    They will ensure that your application meets all the legal requirements, complies with trademark laws and does not conflict with existing trademarks. This can take several months.

     

    1. Publication of the Trademark:

    If your application passes the examination, it will be published in the UK IPO’s Trademarks Journal. This allows anyone with concerns about your trademark to object within two months.

     

    1. Opposition Period:

    During the two-month opposition period, third parties can raise objections to your trademark registration. If there are no objections, or if they are resolved in your favour, your trademark will proceed to registration.

     

    1. Registration Certificate:

    If your trademark application is successful, you will receive a registration certificate from the UK IPO. This certificate proves your exclusive rights to use the trademark within the UK.

     

    1. Maintain and Protect Your Trademark:

    It’s essential to monitor and renew your trademark periodically to maintain its protection. Trademarks in the UK are typically valid for ten years, and you can renew them indefinitely.

     

    It’s advisable to seek legal counsel or consult with a trademark lawyer throughout this process to ensure that your application is correctly prepared and to address any potential issues that may arise during the registration process.

  • World Snooker Tour threatens legal action against five of its own players

    The World Snooker Tour (“WST”) has threatened legal action against five of its own players for breach of contract if they take part in a non-sanctioned event in Macau.

    Former world champions Mark Selby and John Higgins, this year’s world champion Luca Brecel, Ali Carter and  Thepchaiya Un-Nooh have all pulled out of the WST’s Northern Ireland Open in order to take part in a financially lucrative exhibition in Macau.

    World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan is lending his support to the players after describing WST’s stance as ‘b******s, trying to scare players like that’.

    The players claim the threat from WST are without merit as they have not entered the Northern Ireland Open and therefore haven’t pulled out of any WST events and are heading to Macau in their own time.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • McLaren seeks at least $23 million in damages from Alex Palou

    It has been reported that McLaren is seeking at least $23m from IndyCar champion Alex Palou after the driver reneged on his contract for 2024.

    According to a claim filed in the High Court of Justice Business and Property Courts of England and Wales Commercial Court, Palou had agreed that he had “no outstanding obligation under any contract or agreement” that would prevent him from joining McLaren once the 2023 IndyCar season ended.

    However, after rejecting Chip Ganassi Racing for McLaren, Palou then performed a U-turn and rejected McLaren for Chip Ganassi Racing.

    Had the original deal with McLaren come into being Palou would have raced for McLaren’s IndyCar project alongside a test and reserve role with the F1 team ahead of a future switch to the world championship. Palou took part in a year-long programme with McLaren including private test sessions and his FP1 debut at the US Grand Prix last October.

    A McLaren spokesman said, “We have a contract, so it’s now in the legal process we filed in London courts last week against him both as a person and his business entity, and we’ll just let the legal proceedings carry the situation forward.”

     

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • LIV golfer Patrick Reed files defamation lawsuit against Golf Channel and commentator Brandel Chamblee

    LIV Golf League player Patrick Reed‘s $750 million defamation claims against the Golf Channel, several of its commentators and other golf writers and media outlets, has been dismissed by a Judge in Florida.

    Reed had complained that the defendants had been “spreading lies” about him during the battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.

    The Judge ruled that Reed’s complaints fell short of alleging sufficient facts showing the defendants had actual malice when making comments about him, “which is fatal to each defamation claim.”

    He also stated “……… many of the statements are not about Reed. Some statements are about LIV Golf, of which Reed is a member, but not specifically about Reed. Others are matters of opinion or permissible rhetorical hyperbole. Still others are statements of fact, the truth of which are not challenged”.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • HMRC files a bankruptcy petition against former Liverpool and England footballer, John Barnes

    The HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) have filed a bankruptcy petition against former Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes after alleging that Barnes owes them £238,000.

    A judge considered Barnes’ case at a hearing at the Insolvency & Companies Court in London earlier this month.

    Barnes’ barrister advised the Court that Barnes was on a salary of £200,000 from Liverpool FC and would be able to pay but just needed more time and asked for an adjournment.

    Another judge had dismissed another bankruptcy petition lodged by HMRC against Barnes in June 2023 after the Judge was advised that Barnes had paid the money that was owed which was in the region of £200,000.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Millionaire husband and wife accuse their nephew of ‘stealing’ £4million Kensington mews home

    King-Su Huang and her husband Michael Lee are involved in a bitter court case at Central London County Court against their own nephew, Cheng-Jen Ku, over claims he has “stolen” their £4million Kensington mews home.

    Despite the home being bought in their nephew’s name, Mrs Huang alleges that she was always the rightful owner. She claims that she and her nephew agreed, prior to the purchase of the property, that the property be registered in his name, but that the beneficial interest would be hers. She provided the entire purchase price of the property and that her nephew was holding on trust for her.

    However, Mr Cheng insists the house belongs to him because it was ‘gifted’ to him by his aunt in line with Taiwanese custom.

    The case continues and the judge is expected to reserve his ruling until a later date.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Coldplay sued by former manager Dave Holmes for £10million

    Dave Holmes, the former manager of Coldplay, has filed a claim in the High Court in excess of £10million against the band for breach of contract after the group allegedly refused to pay him for his contributions to albums and tour preparations.

    He also wants the band to pay the commissions he was entitled to, as outlined in the contract, and cover the ‘loss and damage equal to the profits’ he would have made, as well as everything he is entitled to from prior contracts.

    Coldplay’s spokesperson said Mr Holmes’ management contract expired at the end of 2022 ‘at which point they decided not to start a new one’.

    ‘The matter is now in the hands of Coldplay’s lawyers and the claims are being vigorously disputed,’ the spokesperson added.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood.  Our litigation solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in the litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.

  • Scotch Whisky secures trademark protection in Hong Kong

    The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has successfully registered Scotch whisky as a certification trademark in Hong Kong, enhancing legal protection for the category. This means that the descriptor ‘Scotch whisky’ can only be used on whisky produced in Scotland in line with production and labelling requirements.

    Rules state that Scotch must be made from the raw materials of water, cereals and yeast, and matured in the country for at least three years in oak casks.

    Prior to the trademark in Hong Kong, the protection of Scotch depended on the law of passing off, which could involve expensive and complex court proceedings.

    Suffering a dispute can have serious implications on you and your livelihood and reputation. Our dispute resolution solicitors will quickly and efficiently put your case together and act on your behalf. Call Vijay Srivastava or Shalish Mehta in our civil and commercial litigation department on 0161 624 6811(Option 6) or email vjs@wrigleyclaydon.com or sm@wrigleyclaydon.com. We can advise you on the appropriate course of action and assist with any legal documents or proceedings that may occur.