UK Knowledge Collection | AI inventions and patentability, 'known risk' exemption in procurement, and tax and the Budget
Published on 2nd Aug 2024
Welcome to this week's Knowledge Collection
In a recent judgment, the Court of Appeal overturned a decision of the High Court on the patentability of an AI invention. While the decision reversed the more AI innovator-friendly position that the High Court had reached, it was in line with the UK Intellectual Property Office view and European Patent Office case law. Our Insight looks at the implications of this case.
As the go live date of the Procurement Act 2023 approaches, our Insight on the safe harbour provisions in relation to the materialisation of "known risk" looks at how the exemption process works and how it can provide comfort to parties dealing with future uncertainties in a tender.
The chancellor has announced that the new government's first Budget will take place on 30 October. Our Insight looks at some of the information released and consultations issued, including on VAT on private school fees and charitable rates relief, and the tax treatment of carried interest and of non-doms.
Next month sees the return of our popular "Dipping into Data" series of webinars, beginning with a look at how organisations can best manage their response to data subject access requests.
Recent Insights
UK Court of Appeal finds AI invention falls foul of computer program patentability exclusion
The Court of Appeal has held that an AI invention was a computer program "as such" and, therefore, was not patentable. The decision concerned a system for media file recommendations to end users based on an artificial neural network trained in a distinct manner.
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UK chancellor's statement on public spending inheritance hints at tax rises in autumn budget on 30 October
The chancellor has announced the date of the next Budget and released further detail of the government's priority tax commitments.
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UK Employment Law Coffee Break
This week's edition looks at the government's plans for reform, an Employment Appeal Tribunal case on the impact on compensatory awards where there is contributory conduct by the employee, and a spotlight on making changes to trust-based pension schemes.
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The UK Energy Transition
The update on energy regulatory and market developments for the UK's transition to net zero looks at Great British Energy's partnership with The Crown Estate, the National Grid Electricity Systems Operator's consultations on code modification proposals for grid connections reform, the new Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce, and more.
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How 'known risks' will work under the UK Procurement Act 2023
The Procurement Regulations 2024 require public authorities to identify in an initial advertisement any "known risks" to a contract's delivery. The Procurement Act 2023 allows future variations to the contract if one of those materialise.
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Upcoming Events
Dipping into Data | Data Subject Access Requests
10 September | 16:00-16:30
Using a practical case study, we will look at the mechanics and tactical considerations of responding to a data subject access request and provide an update on the latest regulatory and case law developments.
Register now >
Funds and follies: how (not) to distribute funds across Europe
11 September | One London Wall | 16:00-19:00
This in-person seminar, co-hosted with FundRock, will focus on the regulatory issues for cross-border distribution of alternative investment funds in Europe, including Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
Register now >
How regulatory and IP issues can impact the process of acquiring and divesting life sciences companies in Europe
29 October | 16:00-17:00
This webinar examines the structure of a typical acquisition of target companies in the life sciences sector in Europe, including the impact of regulatory and IP issues on the process and timing.
Register now >
