UK Knowledge Collection | Contingent workers, courts' case law departure powers, and intellectual property

The government's Employment Rights Bill is to be introduced later this month. Among other things, it is intended to reform the rules on zero-hours contracts and offer workers "day one" rights. Our Insight looks at the announcements made to date and the implications for staffing companies, gig platforms and users of contingent workers. While the detail of the coming changes is not yet clear, there are three steps that businesses can take now to prepare.

Last week, as part of its reset of UK relations with the EU, the government revoked the commencement regulations that would have seen section 6 of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 come into force on 1 October. That section would have given courts an expanded power to depart from established principles of UK case law that had been influenced by assimilated EU law. It is not clear when (or whether) this expanded power will be introduced.

Upcycling, repairing and refurbishing goods for resale can raise questions about the protection of intellectual property rights. Our Insight looks at the trade mark issues that can arise, and how the UK and EU courts have treated them, as consumer demand for more sustainable goods grows. Our webinar on European M&A in the life sciences sector explores how IP considerations can affect transactions, and our future of IP webinar series returns next month, beginning with an overview on the legal issues to consider when using AI.

Recent Insights

UK government's '100 day' employment law bill to be published in October

What do staffing companies, gig platforms and users of contingent workers need to be ready for, as the government prepares to issue its "new deal" for workers?
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UK government pauses the introduction of courts' expanded EU case law departure powers

Broad powers that would have allowed UK courts to depart from assimilated case law have been put on hold while the government looks at this issue again in the "context of its work to reset UK relations with the EU".
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How can sustainability and IP rightsholders' interests be reconciled in second-hand goods sales in Europe?

Determining if repair, refurbishment or upcycling of branded goods is a trade mark infringement needs case-by-case analysis.
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What can businesses learn from the UK National Security and Investment Act's Third Annual Report?

The NSIA Third Annual Report 2023-2024 gives substantial insight into the operation of the Act and showcases increased notifications, sector-specific trends and the government's commitment to national security.
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UK competition timeline

There are substantial changes and milestones in the competition law landscape that will affect UK businesses in 2024 and 2026.
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Upcoming Events

Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Conducting cross-border investigations

10 October | 09:00-09:30
Our global investigations team discusses best practice when navigating the complexities and nuances of cross-border and multi-jurisdictional investigations.
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Eating Compliance for Breakfast | Martyn's Law/the Protect Duty – what's the latest?

15 October | 09:00-09:30
A webinar discussing The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill (also known as Martyn's Law), which was introduced into Parliament on 12 September 2024.
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Dipping into Data | ICO Data Protection Practitioners' Conference

17 October | 16:00-16:30
In this webinar, our experts will outline the main takeaways from the UK privacy regulator's annual conference (held on 8 October) and the practical implications for business.
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Life Sciences Academy | Navigating regulatory and IP challenges in European M&A

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.
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Navigating the future of IP | AI and IP: case law and legislative developments

4 November | 16:00-17:00
An international overview of what to consider when using artificial intelligence, including protecting your output, defending your rights, and avoiding infringement of third-party rights.
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