Business Law and Corporate Law

On 9 July 2026, the UK Takeover Panel (Panel) published consultation paper PCP 2026/1, setting out a number of proposed miscellaneous amendments to the Takeover Code (Code).

The UK government has published draft legislation for a new Securities Transfer Tax (STT), which is expected to replace the existing stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) regimes for transfers of securities.

The UK Government has introduced draft legislation for a new Securities Transfer Tax (STT) that will replace stamp duty and SDRT by 2027, while also publishing its fifth annual report on the National Security and Investment regime showing increased scrutiny of acquisitions in sensitive sectors. The Takeover Panel has proposed amendments to streamline reverse takeover procedures and put-up-or-shut-up deadlines, alongside changes making trust information in the Register of Overseas Entities more accessible to

On 9 July 2026, the UK Takeover Panel (Panel) published consultation paper PCP 2026/1, setting out a number of proposed miscellaneous amendments to the Takeover Code (Code).

The EU General Court's decision in Crocs Inc v EUIPO reveals how even globally iconic product designs can be invalidated for lack of individual character, demonstrating that commercial success alone cannot protect intellectual property rights. This case highlights the critical need for product-as-brand businesses to implement staged IP strategies that evolve from design rights at launch to trade mark protection as brand recognition develops.

Transition service agreements (TSAs) are a core component of carve-outs. These agreements define and govern the services between sellers and buyers that enable operational separation by deal close.

On 9 July 2026, the UK Takeover Panel (Panel) published consultation paper PCP 2026/1, setting out a number of proposed miscellaneous amendments to the Takeover Code (Code).

A recent Supreme Court decision clarifies that directors who secretly pursue their own strategy rather than following board-agreed plans face significant personal liability risks, even when they genuinely believe their actions serve the company's best interests.

The Companies Act 2006 establishes a statutory framework allowing shareholders to remove directors through ordinary resolution, but the process involves complex procedural requirements and potential complications. Understanding the interplay between constitutional documents, shareholders' agreements, and employment contracts is crucial before initiating removal proceedings, as directors may possess weighted voting rights or contractual protections that significantly impact the outcome.

Brand protection teams struggle to demonstrate the value of anti-counterfeiting efforts because traditional metrics like raids and seizures measure activity rather than actual impact. Chris Bailey proposes a new approach focusing on visibility and deterrence, targeting the small number of operators responsible for most counterfeit activity to better justify investment and strengthen consumer trust.

Jersey's trademark regime undergoes a fundamental transformation on August 1, 2026, ending the historical practice of re-registering U.K. marks and establishing an independent national system. The changes introduce a separate Jersey IPO, new application procedures following U.K. legal frameworks, and require specific Jersey designations for international marks.

Transition service agreements (TSAs) are a core component of carve-outs. These agreements define and govern the services between sellers and buyers that enable operational separation by deal close.