Friday, 4 May 2012


Hi, here is your weekly round-up of highlights from Out-Law News. As always, there are plenty of other stories from this week. You can also access our archive of weekly emails 
 

 
This week's highlights from Out-Law News

TMT & Sourcing and Intellectual Property 

Computer program functionality not copyrightable but programming languages and file formats may be protected by the Copyright Directive, ECJ rules
The way a computer program functions is not copyrightable, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled.  
03/05/2012
 
Protection of Freedoms Act comes into force and lays out new laws on DNA retention and surveillance cameras
A new code of practice on public surveillance using CCTV systems and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology will be introduced by new laws recently enacted.  
03/05/2012
 
Data protection reforms as drafted would 'stifle growth and innovation', UK trade and business bodies say
Planned changes to data protection rules in the EU would "stifle growth and innovation in the UK", five trade and business groups have said. 
02/05/2012
 
ICANN chief reveals delay in expected announcement on applications for new 'top level' domains
The publication of a list detailing the applications for new generic 'top level' domains (gTLDs) has been delayed and it may be the end of June before it is available, the chief executive of the body which oversees the identification of websites has said.
02/05/2012
 
High Court orders ISPs to block The Pirate Bay
A group of five UK internet service providers (ISPs) have been ordered to block their customers' access to a file-sharing website. 
01/05/2012
 
ICO considers 'further action' over Google's Street View unlawful data collection
The UK's data protection watchdog may still take enforcement action against Google over its unlawful collection of personal information from unencrypted Wi-Fi networks following the recent publication of a US regulator's report into the matter. 
01/05/2012
 


Litigation and International Arbitration
Rift emerges within major Chinese international arbitration centre
A local branch of a Chinese arbitration body has declared itself an independent institution. But the central body has said that the declaration is invalid. 
03/05/2012
 

 
Banking and Restructuring
MPs publish terms of reference for inquiry into governance arrangements at major banks
The Treasury Select Committee has announced the terms of reference  for its inquiry into the corporate governance arrangements at major banks. 
02/05/2012
 


Property 
Landlords who want to recover possession of premises for their own business must be aware of timing issues
A landlord which itself leases a commercial property from a superior landlord must be careful to ensure it keeps more than 14 months left to run on its lease if it wishes to recover possession of premises from its subtenant so that it can run a business from the property itself, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
02/05/2012
 

 
Projects 
Government to tie school PFI payments to stricter environmental standards, according to press reports
The Government is considering tying payments due to school builders under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement to environmental standards, with those that that deliver schools that do not meet required environmental performance standards paid less, according to press reports.
02/05/2012
 


Insurance and reinsurance
Further delays to new solvency standards leave "little room for manoeuvre", insurers warn
Further delays to the implementation of new solvency standards for European insurers will leave the industry with "very little room for manoeuvre", a spokesman has warned. 
01/05/2012 
 


Construction Advisory and Disputes
Small construction companies threatened by late payments, research shows
Almost one third of small construction companies say that they have come close to being put out of business due to liquidity problems caused by late payments, according to new research. 
30/04/2012
 


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