The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will soon be implementing six key changes to trade mark, designs and tribunal services following a public consultation in 2023. One of the key changes is in respect of series trade marks and the other is in respect of mediation meetings. This insight explains what the changes are and how they will affect your organisation. 

The Charity Commission’s newly revised guidance on paying trustees, published on 25 April, brings welcome clarity to an area that continues to present considerable regulatory and practical challenges for charities. As a law firm specialising in charity law, trustee payments are a frequent topic of enquiry, and for good reason. While the principle that trustees act in a voluntary capacity remains central to charity law, real-world complexities often mean that charities find themselves asking whether, and how, they can lawfully remunerate a trustee or a connected party.

On 16 April 2025, the UK Supreme Court published its judgement in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers. In this case, the Supreme Court was asked to make a finding on the definition of ‘woman’, ‘sex’, and ‘man’ in the Equality Act 2010.

The recent case of Armstrong v Armstrong considers the issue of detriment in the context of a proprietary estoppel claim.

Today is World Intellectual Property (IP) Day; a day where we celebrate the role and importance of intellectual property in law and in society. It is organised by the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and the topic this year is music.

When the Labour Government announced changes to Inheritance Tax reliefs in October 2024, they introduced significant reforms to Agricultural Relief (AR) and Business Relief (BR)

Limb difference comes in many forms—some visible, some less so. Erb’s Palsy, often resulting in limited function or paralysis of the arm, is one such condition that deserves a place in the broader conversation about limb loss and difference.

Financial remedy is the process which deals with the division of matrimonial finances. From the time the application is issued, there are three court hearings up to and including the Final Hearing. At any point, parties can reach a voluntary agreement and are encouraged to do so. The middle hearing, the Financial Dispute Resolution Hearing (FDR) is where the Judge provides their view on the likely outcome of the case.

In 2024 we reported that the ICO provisionally decided to issue a £6 million fine to Advanced, an IT software company providing services to the NHS, after it experienced a ransomware attack in August 2022.

Throughout April, Limb Loss and Limb Difference UK seeks to raise awareness about limb loss and limb difference to empower those within their community. 

Recent case law has highlighted the importance of trying to settle claims outside of Court before issuing Court proceedings. This point is becoming ever clearer with new powers and precedents being set by the Court.

Ever since the Autumn Budget, Inheritance Tax has been hitting the news due to the government’s planned changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief – with a backlash from the farming and business communities.