UK Knowledge Collection | TMC Annual Review, greenwashing, and biodiversity net gain

The Osborne Clarke Technology, Media and Communications Annual Review was published yesterday, with artificial intelligence a prominent theme running throughout, including sector-specific regulatory and commercial questions arising from the technology's rapid uptake. As well as the impact of AI on the sector, the review considers the resilience of the M&A market, and the implications of broader digital regulation measures.

Our advertising law and intellectual property experts will host a seminar in our London office on advertising campaigns, including the use of AI, comparative advertising and greenwashing.

Greenwashing in financial services is a focus area for regulators. In the UK, the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements regime was implemented last November by the Financial Conduct Authority to improve the transparency of sustainable investment products. As part of it, from 31 May, regulated businesses will need to comply with the requirements of a new anti-greenwashing rule. Our Insight offers practical tips for firms on how to make sure their sustainability claims are compliant.

Sustainability is also an important developing regulatory area for products. Our in-person event on emerging trends in product regulation takes a look at this and other proposed reforms in the EU and UK.

Finally, new mandatory requirements in England to demonstrate "biodiversity net gain" from the majority of developments will apply from 12 February. Any business which is carrying out a development that needs planning permission will be affected. Our Insight considers the effect on businesses of the new regime.

Recent Insights

Technology, Media and Communications Annual Review 2024

In this collection of articles, our international experts look at the principal issues affecting the TMC sector this year, including AI, connectivity, digital regulation, consumer law and IP issues.
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UK drops AI and copyright voluntary code of practice – what next?

Although agreement has not been reached on a voluntary code of practice to provide clarity on the relationship between IP law and artificial intelligence, the government's approach still seems to be one of seeking collaboration and agreement.
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Greenwashing in UK financial services: practical guidance for regulated firms on compliance

Under the new anti-greenwashing rule, firms will be required to ensure that sustainability-related claims made about financial products or services are “fair, clear, and not misleading, and consistent with the sustainability profile of the product or service”.
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What do businesses need to understand about the biodiversity net gain regime?

The biodiversity net gain regime requires developers' planning applications to demonstrate a net gain in the biodiversity of a development site. From 12 February, a minimum gain of 10% will be a statutory requirement for the majority of planning applications.
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Employment Law Coffee Break

The update for employers looks at recent employment-related proposals by the Labour Party, including on equal pay protection, and an Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling on TUPE and the transfer of liability for harassment.
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Upcoming Events

How to stay well: the regulation of wellbeing products and services

20 February | 09:30-10:00

The global market for wellbeing services is booming, but regulators are struggling to keep pace with innovation. What should businesses consider when developing and launching wellness offerings?
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GDPR for HR: glance back and look forwards

21 February | 17:15-18:40 | One London Wall

Our in-person seminar will look back at privacy developments over the last 12 months as well as at what is fast approaching and at the impact of all these changes on the processing of HR-related data, including workplace monitoring, whistleblowing, artificial intelligence and overseas data transfers.
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Leap forward: emerging trends in product regulation

29 February | 09:30-12:30 | One London Wall

A morning of debate and analysis to discuss the many forthcoming changes to the product safety and compliance regime in the UK and EU, followed by a networking lunch at our London Wall office.
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Navigating the intellectual property landscape in advertising

5 March | 15:00-17:30 | One London Wall

A discussion of the key IP considerations for advertising campaigns, including brand clearance issues, high-risk activities, AI in advertising, and what happens when a campaign goes wrong.
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Disputes Week

18-22 March | Various times | Webinars and in-person events

Disputes Week is back with a week-long series of events, webinars, videos, podcasts and insights, aimed at helping organisations find commercial solutions for managing risk and disputes.
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