Commercial

Articles

26 Jan 2012

Successive renewal of short-term contracts not always unlawful, court rules

The systematic renewal of short-term contracts is not necessarily a breach of the employment law even where the posts fulfil a permanent function within an organisation, the European Court of Justice has ruled.

25 Jan 2012

Energy drinks company cannot register 'Viaguara', court rules

A drinks company has been refused the right to register the trademark 'viaguara' because it was too similar to 'viagra', the protected name of the drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.

24 Jan 2012

Working not a precondition to right to paid holiday, court rules

Workers' right to paid holiday cannot be subject to a minimum period of actual work during the reference period used to calculate entitlement, the European Court of Justice has said.

23 Jan 2012

Honey-based medical dressing can be patented

A patent for a honey-based medical dressing was not invalid on the ground of obviousness, appeal judges have ruled.

16 Jan 2012

IT/IP update

Susan Singleton reviews database rights, illegal downloading, data protection and private email accounts, and a European case on internet selling bans

5 Dec 2011

Claims game

Increasing the qualifying period for dismissal and introducing fees for tribunal litigation have caused concern in the employment law community, but are the proposed government reforms all bad? James Davies says the proposals contain some useful ideas, as Jane Wheeler welcomes process improvements, but Edward Cooper warns about possible abuses

21 Nov 2011

Supply and demand

The latest ECJ decision on selective distribution agreements demonstrates a lack of understanding of consumer values, says Paul Stanley NO

14 Nov 2011

Insolvency update

Denise Fawcett considers the Paymex repayments guidance, invalid administration appointments, setting aside a statutory demand and relief for a transaction at an undervalue