France

The present French Tax Update contains (i) an overview of the main provisions proposed by the draft amending finance bill for 2015 (loi de finances rectificative pour 2015, 2015 Draft Amending Finance Bill)...

Germany

Sometimes companies use images or names of public figures in their advertising without seeking a license.

Kazakhstan

The growing number of cases of leaked personal data; concerns regarding "Internet surveillance" on the part of some states about nationals of other states – all these elements have set the scene for the initiation of a legislative requirement for "localization of personal data" in Kazakhstan.

Luxembourg

At its meeting on November 27 the Luxembourg government formally approved draft legislation creating a new type of fund vehicle, the restricted alternative investment fund (fonds d'investissement alternatif reservé).

Turkey

Turkey's importance in the energy market grows as a regional transit hub given its location between the oil rich Middle East, Caspian region, and Europe.

In early 2015, the Turkish Competition Authority ("Authority") published a comprehensive research report considering the wholesale and retail electricity markets ("Sector Report"). The Sector Report separately considered the privatization process and competition-related issues arising at each market level.

Islamic finance has emerged as a rapidly growing industry with an increasingly global presence. It continues to be the topic of choice at prestigious finance conferences in Europe, Asia Pacific and in the United States.

With the developments in technology and increase in number of internet users, the global e-commerce volume continues to expand rapidly.

UK

High Court presumes that a party does not intend to abandon a remedy to which it would not otherwise be entitled.

The case is a reminder that parties to a commercial agreement will be held to the clear words of the written bargain.

Caroline Cook, a senior associate in the Private Client team at Wedlake Bell, discusses how cohabiting couples are not always entitled to the same tax breaks and inheritance rights as spouses and civil partners.

Worldwide

Businesses have become excited about the potential to steal a march on their competitors by getting into Iran quickly.

UK

Significant progress has been made to finalize the European Commission's 2012 proposal to completely reform the European Union's data protection laws...

HMRC successfully appealed to the Court of Session which held that payments into an employee benefit trust (EBT) were subject to tax.

In the case of Marks and Spencer Plc v BNP Paribas Securities Services Trust Company (Jersey) and another [2015] UKSC 72, Marks and Spencer sought a refund of rent it had paid for a period after the break date of its lease.

Whilst Cavendish and ParkingEye are not related specifically to construction contracts, these cases will have a significant impact on how liquidated damages provisions in construction contracts are likely to be interpreted going forwards.

The Supreme Court has handed down judgment in the seminal M&S v. BNP Paribas case.

Do you own a UK company or are interested in opening or acquiring one? If yes, please read the following information.

In the case of Wellesley Partners v Withers LLP [2015], M Wellesley Partners LLP instructed solicitors firm, Withers LLP, to draft a limited liability partnership agreement to allow the admission of a number of new partners in a bid to boost their capital

A number of changes to UK company law are being introduced as a result of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.