The Supreme Court has refused Aldi permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s decision that it infringed Thatchers Cider Company (Thatchers) trade mark. This brings a decisive end to Thatchers’ successful legal battle against a supermarket lookalike.

The number of short-term lettings in England and Wales has increased vastly in recent years. The development and growth of the ‘sharing economy’ and the ease of use of ‘peer-to-peer’ accommodation websites (of which there are several that are very well known) can be a real temptation for property owners to dip their toes into the short-term and holiday let market.

In May 2025, the Family Justice Council released updated guidance regarding covert recordings. The guidance defines these as “any recordings made without the express knowledge and permission of the people being recorded whether by video or audio”. Whilst they can be an invaluable source of evidence in the Family Court, such recordings can also have harmful consequences. There has been much debate in the Courts as to what extent the recordings can and should be used, particularly in line with GDPR and data protection laws.

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), is all but mandatory for parties involved in a commercial dispute. Cost penalties can be imposed by the Court on those who refuse to participate. Taking early advice on the issue is key.

Tozers have built an excellent reputation for representing parents and others in Court proceedings or in pre-proceedings brought by Social Services. Tozers have one of the largest local teams dedicated to working on cases relating to children.

Shared ownership has become an essential route to homeownership, particularly for those unable to afford full-market-value properties. The new Shared Ownership Code sets out requirements for landlords, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with the scheme.

During World Heart Rhythm Week 2025, it is a timely opportunity to raise awareness about the critical importance of diagnosing and managing heart rhythm disorders.

In April 2025, the Housing Ombudsman released its latest severe maladministration report, highlighting significant failures across multiple landlords.

When people hear the word ‘litigation’ they often picture a courtroom showdown. In reality, however, disputes rarely make it that far. The modern litigation process is designed to promote early settlement (even after proceedings are issued) and very few cases are actually decided in a Court or Tribunal.

When Sir Elton John accuses the government of “committing theft,” it’s not just a headline: it’s a warning. The copyright debate around artificial intelligence has hit a crescendo following the proposed protections in the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

A recent article by The Independent has spotlighted a concerning rise in Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts, with HMRC collecting £780 million in a single month—marking the second-highest monthly figure on record.

On 21 May 2025, the Supreme Court handed down the long-awaited judgment in an appeal submitted by Dartmoor landowners, Mr & Mrs Darwall. The land owned by the Darwalls included land that is designated as Dartmoor Commons land.